Coping with Chronic Disease
Diabetes Support Group Meeting Highlights
June 19, 2007
On Tuesday, June 19, Dr. Baker spoke on coping with a chronic disease to the
diabetes support group. She pointed out that stress is a survival tool, which is nothing new. Early on,
man quickly learned that stress causes the fight or flight response. The way we
think about stress and what we choose to do about it can affect the impact of
a stressful event.
There are 10 different things that help Dr. Baker cope with the high stress of
today's world. Each can be useful in dealing with the stress of any disease.
- Acknowledge a higher power
- Solitude
- Take care of your body
- Eat well
- Sleep adequetely
- Exercise
- Learn to relax
- Find a hobby
- Go outside
- Learn something new
- Make the world a better place
- Laugh
- Focus on relationships
- Live with margins (allow time and space for the extras)
There are positive and negative coping strategies. Negative ones provide short
term relief and are generally not beneficial to your health or the situation.
Positive coping strategies provide long term relief and are generally more
beneficial with better outcomes.
There are seven C's for resilience:
- Competence
- Confidence
- Connection
- Character
- Contribution
- Coping
- Control
All seven C's are related and have the ability to influence your personal
growth and improve your ability to deal with stress on an everyday basis.
Diabetes can be one of those stressors, but ultimately, the choice is up to you
and how you will deal with diabetes.
Only July 17 at 6:00 p.m., Dr. Buss from Prairie Clinic will discuss management
options for diabetes. The support group is open for people with diabetes and
their family and friends.
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