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How do you help a patient develop a positive attitude towards survival? I don't mean a happy feeling, but rather feeling, I will beat this, I will survive.
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Dr._Ann_Becker-Schutte (Psychologist (Verified) ) - 10 / 11 / 2011
This is a difficult question, because it sounds like you are asking how to develop hope. If so, you're asking about a process that has to be renewed and committed to over and over. There is not a single set of steps that you can take that will result in a hopeful attitude. This kind of attitude is the cumulative effect of lots of small choices. That might sound overwhelming at first. I think about it as having lots of opportunities to get to the result that you're after. Here is a sample list of possible choices and actions you can take to increase your sense of hope:
1. Make a wish list of all the things you want to experience. Once you have a rough draft list, go through each item and flesh it out. Write a paragraph (or more) about what that experience would look like, sound like, feel like. Then pick one item on the list and take a step toward having that experience. So, if you want to travel somewhere new, start a savings account for that trip, or do some initial research.
2. Focus on those things that are most important to you. This may be family, faith, your work, or other activities. Focusing on the most important things in your life can mean that you journal about them, you commit to spending time on the phone, with community members, or whatever demonstration feels useful to you.
3. As much as your physical & emotional health allows, try to find opportunities to be of service to others. Even if you are limited by health, you may be able to provide service online, connect in a support community, etc. We all need to be reminded that we are part of a bigger world, and that even in our pain and suffering, others can connect from our efforts.
4. Make space for the less hopeful feelings. It's normal to feel frightened, angry, or hopeless. I know that it's paradoxical, but when you allow yourself to feel those feelings, you actually make room for the hope to flourish. If you're using all your energy to try to control the tough feelings, you won't have any left over to build hope.
5. Connect with others. Whether it's your family, your friends, your faith community, your therapist, a support group, or co-workers, try not to isolate. Sometimes others can hold the hope for you when you are feeling tired or overwhelmed.
I hope that this was what you were looking for. Please feel free to ask for clarification if you need it.
1. Make a wish list of all the things you want to experience. Once you have a rough draft list, go through each item and flesh it out. Write a paragraph (or more) about what that experience would look like, sound like, feel like. Then pick one item on the list and take a step toward having that experience. So, if you want to travel somewhere new, start a savings account for that trip, or do some initial research.
2. Focus on those things that are most important to you. This may be family, faith, your work, or other activities. Focusing on the most important things in your life can mean that you journal about them, you commit to spending time on the phone, with community members, or whatever demonstration feels useful to you.
3. As much as your physical & emotional health allows, try to find opportunities to be of service to others. Even if you are limited by health, you may be able to provide service online, connect in a support community, etc. We all need to be reminded that we are part of a bigger world, and that even in our pain and suffering, others can connect from our efforts.
4. Make space for the less hopeful feelings. It's normal to feel frightened, angry, or hopeless. I know that it's paradoxical, but when you allow yourself to feel those feelings, you actually make room for the hope to flourish. If you're using all your energy to try to control the tough feelings, you won't have any left over to build hope.
5. Connect with others. Whether it's your family, your friends, your faith community, your therapist, a support group, or co-workers, try not to isolate. Sometimes others can hold the hope for you when you are feeling tired or overwhelmed.
I hope that this was what you were looking for. Please feel free to ask for clarification if you need it.
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Bumpyboobs (Survivor (1 year)) - 10 / 12 / 2011
Great question. I think maintaining the fight is a constant struggle. Having a coach and weekly (or bi weekly) sessions can be an incredible asset to remembering that we’re FIGHTING cancer, even after treatment has finished.
I’ve tried keeping myself on track alone, but without help I often slip into a lull (and then more depression would seep in). And during the actual cancer treatment without that coaching I would have felt even more helpless – my meetings were reminders of important goals (cause they make you write down goals, which is a great step forward to a positive attitude) and helped me confront fears, issues, depression, etc.
So yes – that would be my advice. Get help. Self-discipline goes down the drain with depression-inducing drugs, and I think an outside point of support is incredibly valuable.
I’ve tried keeping myself on track alone, but without help I often slip into a lull (and then more depression would seep in). And during the actual cancer treatment without that coaching I would have felt even more helpless – my meetings were reminders of important goals (cause they make you write down goals, which is a great step forward to a positive attitude) and helped me confront fears, issues, depression, etc.
So yes – that would be my advice. Get help. Self-discipline goes down the drain with depression-inducing drugs, and I think an outside point of support is incredibly valuable.
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