Chronic Medical Conditions

Life changed with the diagnosis.

A new diagnosis, such as Diabetes, heart condition, Epilepsy, etc., can lead to many different kinds of feelings, thoughts, and reactions. This visit to the doctor’s office was life-altering and quite overwhelming or even traumatizing for you. Fear of what’s to come, not feeling well, and trying to learn new vital information to help your situation are quite challenging to navigate.

You may feel like it’s your fault you became diagnosed. Wondering what you did that brought on this medical condition, or despite your best efforts, you could not prevent the progression of your situation.

Life as you knew it changed drastically, and the new diagnosis left you confused, angry, and isolated. Your goals and dreams need to be adjusted to meet your new reality.

Thinking about your daily activities is foreign to you. Now you must consider what you eat, how much you can or need to exercise, remember to take your medication, make doctor’s appointments, and ensure that you don’t overextend yourself. There is also a shift in your close relationships – not wanting to feel like a burden and worry your friends and loved ones resulted in isolating yourself.

Managing in silence doesn’t relieve stress.

Everyone experiences stress. However, the stress associated with managing a medical condition daily without seeing much improvement is magnified and can lead to anxiety and despair.

Suppose this is not a new diagnosis for you. In that case, you may feel the burden and burnout associated with frequently monitoring different levels and needing to adjust them or undergo additional invasive procedures constantly.

People’s reactions to your medical condition often suggest that they struggle with myths and false beliefs about it. Clarifying things and explaining your situation is quite frustrating. You feel judged and blamed for not taking good care of your health.

You don’t want the label of being the “sick” person, so you suffer alone.

Don’t suffer alone – therapy can help.

Unlike the physician’s office, therapy is where you can regain control and decide who you want to see, how often, and what you want to share.

As an approved provider of the American Diabetes Association and the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan, I can provide you the support you need, so you can learn to address this new diagnosis and the changes in lifestyle that resulted.

We will work together to help you build resilience, seek solutions to whatever challenges arise, and celebrate small and big victories.

You don’t have to cope with this diagnosis alone. I will be honored to join your team to support you with this journey. Let’s connect!