Stress-Relieving Tips for Families Living with a Serious Medical Condition

November 22, 2011-- A chronic or rare illness can harm more than a person’s health, it can also affect the strongest of relationships. Because the ill partner isn’t feeling well, he or she may be prone to significant mood swings. If the caregiver is not able to adjust to these shifts in demeanor, the relationship can be strained and both parties can find themselves in a state of depression.

At the same time, keeping a strong relationship is critical for those facing a serious medical condition. According to an article published in the Journal PLoS Medicine, people with rich and fulfilling relationships have a 50 percent greater likelihood of achieving a positive outcome with their health than those who lack meaningful companionship. 

Here are three tips to help families facing a rare and serious medical condition handle stress:

Tip 1: Keep Lines of Communication Open

A lack of communication in a relationship can lead to distance and a lack of intimacy, which could ultimately harm the sick partner’s ability to get well. According to the American Psychological Association, discussing challenging issues related to a partner’s illness allows families to work through difficulties more effectively than if the issues are ignored.

Lynne Doebber is one person who has benefited from open lines of communication with family members.  Lynne has common variable immunodeficiency (CVID), a type of primary immunodeficiency (PI) in which her immune system functions inadequately, leaving her with greater susceptibility to infection.

“I am fortunate to have a strong support system in my family,” Lynne said. “By keeping an open dialogue with them, I am able to navigate through difficult times associated with PI, a rare and serious medical condition.”

Tip 2: Schedule Your Treatment around Your Life

Treatment regimens and doctor’s appointments can disrupt a family’s routine and take time from shared activities and interests. It is important for patients to speak with their doctors about available treatment options and the best therapy to fit their needs. 

Tip 3: Look Out For the Caregiver’s Well-Being – It’s a Two Way Street

While the ill partner is generally the center of attention, caregivers need to focus on their own physical and emotional health as well.  The website Caring.com reports 1 in 4 caregivers say they experience depression, significantly higher than the national average documented in a study last year by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  Because of this, it is essential for the well-being of the caregiver that his or her needs are also being met.

Chronic illness can challenge the strongest of relationships, so it is essential that families support each other and work together to manage the disorder.

For more information about PI, visit www.cslbehring.com. For more information about Hizentra, including full prescribing information, visit www.Hizentra.com.