Emotional wellbeing
Living with a long term debilitating
health condition is not only difficult physically but emotionally too. You may
find that your lifestyle has had to radically alter and adapting to a new
'norm' can be difficult. There can also be financial pressures to deal with as
well as the strain your illness puts on your family and friends.
Anyone in these circumstances will have 'low' periods, but some get to a point where they feel unable to cope or become depressed. It is important in these circumstances that you seek help, initially from your GP - sometimes 'offloading' your fears, concerns and worries to a person outside of your family circle, or obtaining help with pain management, can really help lighten the load - speedy intervention and support can make all the difference.
Remember just because you unable to cope does not make you a 'bad person' or a failure in any way - you just need a little additional support to help you through.
We have a support group on facebook.com called Gastroparesis 'R' Us with several hundred members worldwide, that you might find a useful place to share, ask questions, shout, scream, moan and laugh too. You can find the group at:
www.facebook.com/#!/groups/16102606274/
For professional support you may find these sites and helplines useful as a starting point, if you are feeling unable to cope, or are concerned about someone else:
Helplines:
The Samaritans www.samaritans.org/ or call 08457 90 90 90 they are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year - they can help you by talking through your feelings, in complete confidence, and helping you find a way forward.
NHS 24 08454 242424 Healthcare advice and self help for Scotland
Breathing Space 0800 838587 an advice and support line for all health and wellbeing issues
Websites for depression or anxiety:
www.livinglifetothefull.com
www.glasgowsteps.com
www.bluepages.anu.edu.au
www.moodgym.anu.edu.au
www.getselfhelp.co.uk
Websites for pain management:
www.paintoolkit.org
www.painassociation.com
Useful books:
Feeling good: The new mood therapy - by David Burns
Published by Avon Books (1999) ISBN 038-081033-6
Mind over mood - by Christine Padesky & Dennis Greenberger
Published by Guildford Press (1995) ISBN 089-862128-3
Overcoming Depression - by Paul Gilbert
Published by Constable and Robinson (2000) ISBN 184-119125-6
Overcoming depression: A five areas approach - by Christopher J Williams
Published by Hooder Arnold H&S (2001) ISBN 034-090586-7
Overcoming low self esteem: Self help manual - by Melanie Fennell
Published by Constable and Robinson (2005) ISBN 184-529237-5
Anyone in these circumstances will have 'low' periods, but some get to a point where they feel unable to cope or become depressed. It is important in these circumstances that you seek help, initially from your GP - sometimes 'offloading' your fears, concerns and worries to a person outside of your family circle, or obtaining help with pain management, can really help lighten the load - speedy intervention and support can make all the difference.
Remember just because you unable to cope does not make you a 'bad person' or a failure in any way - you just need a little additional support to help you through.
We have a support group on facebook.com called Gastroparesis 'R' Us with several hundred members worldwide, that you might find a useful place to share, ask questions, shout, scream, moan and laugh too. You can find the group at:
www.facebook.com/#!/groups/16102606274/
For professional support you may find these sites and helplines useful as a starting point, if you are feeling unable to cope, or are concerned about someone else:
Helplines:
The Samaritans www.samaritans.org/ or call 08457 90 90 90 they are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year - they can help you by talking through your feelings, in complete confidence, and helping you find a way forward.
NHS 24 08454 242424 Healthcare advice and self help for Scotland
Breathing Space 0800 838587 an advice and support line for all health and wellbeing issues
Websites for depression or anxiety:
www.livinglifetothefull.com
www.glasgowsteps.com
www.bluepages.anu.edu.au
www.moodgym.anu.edu.au
www.getselfhelp.co.uk
Websites for pain management:
www.paintoolkit.org
www.painassociation.com
Useful books:
Feeling good: The new mood therapy - by David Burns
Published by Avon Books (1999) ISBN 038-081033-6
Mind over mood - by Christine Padesky & Dennis Greenberger
Published by Guildford Press (1995) ISBN 089-862128-3
Overcoming Depression - by Paul Gilbert
Published by Constable and Robinson (2000) ISBN 184-119125-6
Overcoming depression: A five areas approach - by Christopher J Williams
Published by Hooder Arnold H&S (2001) ISBN 034-090586-7
Overcoming low self esteem: Self help manual - by Melanie Fennell
Published by Constable and Robinson (2005) ISBN 184-529237-5