Making livable choices

Initially, patients may be quite concerned about their public persona, especially while they are learning to adjust to life with a chronic illness. They may struggle to redefine themselves because many were recognized primarily for their line of work—now what?

Therapists who coach people with chronic illnesses advise that patients make livable choices, seek a healthy medium and avoid going to extremes, like longing for ideal health or viewing themselves as hopelessly ill.

It is understandable that someone's situation can become very discouraging and when that happens, professional counseling or intervention could be very helpful. The choices that patients make will most likely be reviewed and readjusted to accommodate changes in the illness.