

Nevertheless, there are a few notable studies (e.g., Proyer, Gander, Wellenzohn, & Ruch, 2013).

Mental Health Foundation of Australia (Victoria) External Link National Mental Health Helpline Tel.The application of character strengths in the domain of health has lagged behind other areas recently, such as business and education.Raising Children Network also has information about support groups for teenagers with chronic illness External Link, or visit livewire External Link – the online community for teens living with a chronic illness or a disability. If your child has a chronic illness, speak to your school principal for help developing a health support plan and applying for programs or funding support for your child. Children with a chronic illnessįor children with a chronic illness, there are programs and opportunities for funding support attached to government, Catholic and independent sector schools. The overall aim of these strategies is to help put your illness into context and give some meaning to what is happening. Thinking about possible outcomes – discussing them with your doctor can help you to face them before they become a reality.Setting concrete, short-term goals – to restore certainty, power and control.Joining a well facilitated support group.Emotional support from others – particularly family and friends, this can be a source of great help.Finding information – this can help if you feel helpless or out of control.There is a range of ways to deal with the stress of chronic illness. It is important you speak to your doctor or healthcare provider about your feelings and how effectively you think you are coping with the illness and its treatment. Type of help available for chronic illnessĭealing with the stresses of chronic illness can be demanding and it puts extra pressure on you. maintain social relationships and a strong support network when faced with an uncertain medical future or when symptoms arise.maintain trust and confidence in the doctors, especially when recovery isn’t possible.maintain confidence and a positive self-image.Īs well as needing to find ways to deal with the stress involved with chronic illness, you also need to:.maintain emotional balance to cope with negative feelings.make sure there is clear communication with doctors.live with the physical effects of the illness.chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)Ĭhronic or long-term illness and its treatment pose special problems.While many illnesses can be considered chronic, there are 12 major chronic conditions that are a significant burden in terms of morbidity, mortality and healthcare costs in Australia, including: Most chronic illnesses persist throughout a person’s life, but are not always the cause of death, such as arthritis. Others linger over time and need intensive management, such as diabetes. Some can be immediately life-threatening, such as heart disease and stroke. Most chronic illnesses do not fix themselves and are generally not cured completely. long latency periods (time between onset of the illness and feeling its effects).Characteristics of a chronic illnessĬhronic illnesses are mostly characterised by: There may be additional stresses, since chronic illness might change the way you live, see yourself and relate to others.

A chronic or long-term illness means having to adjust to the demands of the illness and the therapy used to treat the condition.
