I don't know about you but over the last few years I have noticed an increase in the people I meet who are suffering with Chronic illnesses. Conditions such as Fibromyalgia, Crohns disease, Chronic fatigue, MS, ME and many more are becoming more and more prevalent in our land. I started thinking about the link between the changes in lifestyles and the increase in such disorders.
Now I am not a Doctor but I have my own personal experience with a auto immune condition so I do have quite a lot of experience in this area myself. One of the links I have noticed especially when working with clients who suffer from such illnesses is the amount of long term stress and emotional strain they are under either before or at the early stages of diagnosis.
The way of the world is becoming more stressful, pressured and image conscious and it IS taking a toll on our mental health and our physical health. In the medical world we are so used to compartmentalizing our bodies that sometimes we forget our physical health and mental health are 100% in sync with each other.
Counselling can be so helpful to those who are experiencing massive changes in their bodies. People suffering with chronic conditions experience sever loss and need support to grieve parts of their former selfs.
Feeling such as loss of control, helplessness, despair, depression, anxiety, changes in relationships are all symptoms of Chronic illness and thats not even mentioning the actual physical changes.
If you or someone you know is suffering in this way then therapy can help. Obviously we cannot change the physical diagnosis but having appropriate support can help you manage your symptoms and have a space to share your pain. Or maybe you don't have a physical condition but you are finding yourself increasingly in emotional distress, please don't wait until things get worse but take control now and reach out for the help you deserve.
I am a counsellor working in Ashford Kent and offer face to face sessions or Skype sessions. Please see my website for more information about what I offer.