Health issues like illnesses pose a significant threat to physical wellbeing.  Illnesses can be chronic or short-term, but they always have unexpected consequences.  Stress is one such consequence that affects a person’s recovery.  But stress is also known to weaken the immune system, increasing the likelihood of getting sick.

Effects

When a person or a loved one is diagnosed with an illness it can blindside a family.  People can feel like they’ve lost control of their life when something seems to be hurting their health from the inside.  In addition to physical symptoms, a patient feels psychological changes.  They may get depressed, feel anxiety, or feel isolated by a disease.  Illness forces a person and their family to answer important questions about life, death, meaning, and grief.  Medical treatment may even challenge religious beliefs.

Treatment

In conjunction with medical intervention, psychotherapy can give a patient an outlet for discussing and thinking through the stresses and challenges that accompany their diagnosis.  Therapists are trained in talking through the philosophical questions a person may have when facing a difficult diagnosis.  Therapy is often crucial in preventing feelings of isolation in patients and keeping morale high, even when medical outlooks aren’t positive.

We Can Help

Open Path’s therapists offer beneficial services that encourage insight, self-reflection, and healthy coping mechanisms. Our therapists furnish a supportive environment, providing healthy outlooks and understanding.

Interested in seeing one of our therapists for an affordable rate? Start your search here.

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