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What tips can you give patients for increasing their sense of control over a situation that seems so out of control?
1
Expert Answers
Dr._Ann_Becker-Schutte (Psychologist (Verified) ) - 10 / 11 / 2011
Feeling like things seem out of control is an appropriate reaction to getting a cancer diagnosis. Your body is literally acting out. So, first of all, I think it's important to give yourself permission to feel out of control. Allowing ourselves to have all of our feelings, even the uncomfortable ones. After that, I think the best way to feel more in control is to focus on what is actually under your control. Here are a few suggestions:
1. Make a list of what is under your control. This is an opportunity to get really creative. If your body is cooperating, then you can control what you choose to eat. If you have the energy, you can control how you move. You can control who you talk to to. You can control the decision to take a break or throw yourself into a project. And, if all else fails, you can control the choice to breathe slowly and treat yourself with great compassion.
2. Write the list down. Make copies for your kitchen, your car, your office, and anywhere else you might need it. Put it on your phone, iPad, etc. Cut up the list and put the pieces in the a jar. If you're feeling stuck, grab one at random.
3. Recognize that you may need to add some new pieces to your support structure to help increase your sense of control. You may need to connect with a support group, a pastor or a therapist to help you develop new skills.
I hope that met your need. Please feel free to ask for more clarification.
1. Make a list of what is under your control. This is an opportunity to get really creative. If your body is cooperating, then you can control what you choose to eat. If you have the energy, you can control how you move. You can control who you talk to to. You can control the decision to take a break or throw yourself into a project. And, if all else fails, you can control the choice to breathe slowly and treat yourself with great compassion.
2. Write the list down. Make copies for your kitchen, your car, your office, and anywhere else you might need it. Put it on your phone, iPad, etc. Cut up the list and put the pieces in the a jar. If you're feeling stuck, grab one at random.
3. Recognize that you may need to add some new pieces to your support structure to help increase your sense of control. You may need to connect with a support group, a pastor or a therapist to help you develop new skills.
I hope that met your need. Please feel free to ask for more clarification.
1
Shared Experiences
member8953 (Survivor (5 - 10 years)) - 10 / 12 / 2011
I agree with the above suggestions.
I will also add that you need to stand up for yourself. Do not be afraid to ask questions. Make sure your medical team knows how you are feeling. They can't help if they don't know. You deserve certain things as a patient and if you are getting them, you will be more in control. You may need someone to assist you, but, that's okay too.
It will get easier.
I will also add that you need to stand up for yourself. Do not be afraid to ask questions. Make sure your medical team knows how you are feeling. They can't help if they don't know. You deserve certain things as a patient and if you are getting them, you will be more in control. You may need someone to assist you, but, that's okay too.
It will get easier.
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