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Knowledge and information regarding SBS, its impact
on daily life, and the methods that can be used to manage it are crucial.
Patients and the people close to them have a much greater sense of
control over their lives when they are knowledgeable and well-informed.
This education can come from many sources: publications, the internet,
support groups, medical professionals, and organizations geared toward
this and other similar conditions. |
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Communication is essential. Both the people with
SBS and their family and friends must be willing to express needs,
frustrations, disappointments, anger and other emotions that will
inevitably arise. It is equally important to communicate with your
doctor and other healthcare providers about your experiences and concerns. |
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Stress management skills are very useful. There
are a number of stress management techniques such as relaxation, meditation,
and biofeedback. Stress management programs can be found through referrals
from healthcare professionals, friends, and community education programs. |
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Support networks of family, friends and groups
of others with similar life situations and problems are extremely
helpful. These support groups may take the form of actual meetings
or may be chat rooms on the internet that provide virtual encounters
between people who share the same concerns. |
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Psychological counseling with specially trained
professionals may also be useful, particularly if you are experiencing
severe depression, which may be helped by antidepressant medication.
Counseling may also help if you are concerned about being unable to
participate in social activities, and with marital or family problems
that affect your adjustment to the condition. If you feel such counseling
would benefit you, consider seeking either a long- or short-term course
of treatment. |
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Holidays and other occasions that revolve around
social situations can present their own set of issues and potential
problems. The time and energy involved in holiday activities alone
can be a drain on already depleted energy reserves. Don't hesitate
to delegate responsibilities and tasks. Be prepared to set limits
and beware of the risk of overcommitting yourself. Those who are familiar
with you and your condition will certainly understand if you simply
do not have the energy to "go all out" during the holiday
season. Remember that the holidays may deepen feelings of depression
- even for entirely healthy people -- and be sure that you have a
strong support network of people to whom you can talk about such feelings
should they occur. Set aside time to rest and unwind, and make sure
that those around you are also afforded the same opportunity. Maintain
your nutritional regimen and alert your host about any special needs
when attending gatherings outside your own home. |
