Questions Arise: Will I Live, or Will I Die?

When the doctor comes into the room to tell you that you have a serious illness, such as cancer, there are a number of questions that run through your mind. The rush of emotions and feeling of powerlessness can be overwhelming, and learning to cope with serious illness will take time and healing. Though everyone's healing process is different and takes different amounts of time, there are some ways to help you come to peace with the changes that will take place in your life.

One of the most difficult things for you to face when coping with serious illness is the possibility of dying. Cancer patients often find themselves struggling with both the idea of dying from cancer and living with cancer. Though some people with serious illnesses tend to focus on death, learning to cope with serious illness means keeping your focus on living with the illness.

Living with the Illness Means Changes in Lifestyle

Even though you are learning to focus on living with cancer, you will also have to face the fact that your life is going to change. For many people, this can be as difficult as the thought of dying, because in a way you are facing the death of your old way of life. Anytime our lives change profoundly, we often feel a deep sense of loss.

So, how do you deal with that sense of loss and cope with serious illness? There are some key suggestions that people who have shared the same experiences with serious illness have to help you cope:

1)Take a review of your life. Think about how you overcame difficult situations before and use it to help you in this situation. Think about the good things in your life versus the bad so that you know what changes you want to make.

2)Take an inventory of things left unsaid and undone in your life. Take some time to finish or say the things you have wanted to say and do.

3)Share how you feel. Tell someone close to you about your feelings or join a support group where you can share with people going through the same experience. Keep a journal to release some of the deeper emotional pain and

4)Share your experience with family and friends. Let those close to you tell you how they feel and let them care for you. Let them participate in your healing process.

5)Find your sources of strength. For some people this may be friends, children, inspiring music, future plans, or faith. Seek out and rely on those sources, especially during the hard times.

6)Set reasonable goals for yourself. Many people coping with serious illness try to push themselves too hard to recover. Embrace your current capabilities and do what you can each day to grow a little stronger.

7)Remain hopeful. Find the things that give you an appreciation of life. Sometimes this involves getting in touch with nature. Other people coping with serious illness find it in pets or children.

8)Use the power of your breath. Taking time to do slow and deep breathing allows your body and mind to relax. You bring space into your being for tensions and toxins to leave, and for healing to have a place to settle in.

9)Know that you are re-defining yourself and your life. You have the chance to change your priorities and embrace what is most meaningful to you.

Learning to cope with serious illness is not always the easiest road, but it can bring you to a place of healing and peace. Taking care of yourself emotionally, physically, and spiritually puts you on balanced path where you can re-create your life in ways that are healthier and with more purpose.

Tell Your Friend