Our Focus is on those with LTHC’s & Disabilities, although you could argue that some elements are aimed at everyone!
Stress Awareness Month has run through April since its beginning in 1992. Although a significant amount of success has been achieved there is still a long way to go. Especially when you consider the more recent pandemic and its consequences on Mental Health services and the escalation of Mental Health Conditions across the world.
The Stress Management Society are launching a 30 Day Challenge, supporting us to create long term solutions to stress management.
Part One - We focused on Stress Awareness Month and the role stress plays in our lives. The effects it places on our bodies and how this month can support positive change in our mental and physical well-being. You can read it here; https://timetoheal1210.wixsite.com/pituitaryconditions/post/stress-awareness-month
Part Two - Considers in depth how psychological stress is felt through the diagnosis and management of LTHC’s and disabilities, through The Pituitary Foundation & MIND. Starting to look at coping mechanisms such as self care and rest.
Part Three - Is focused on the ways in which we can try to reduce our stress levels, looking specifically at hobbies which could include; Exploring Nature, Exercise, Art Therapy and Music*.
Stress can clearly have an impact on anyone, however, this is amplified if you have a LTHC and/or Disability. This places additional stress on the body and, in certain conditions this can create extremely dangerous symptoms and that is why we are going to focus in on Pituitary Conditions. However, these areas of recognition, support, planning and care will be relevant for everyone and can easily be adapted.
Pituitary conditions such as Adrenal Insufficiency and Addison’s Disease are both potentially life threatening. Patients experience problems with either not producing enough cortisol to being unable to produce it at all. Since this is the hormone that helps us to manage stressful situations it is crucial to get a good balance of replacement therapy as well as a good long term plan.
The Pituitary Foundation
The Pituitary Foundation have a booklet called The Psychological Impact of a Pituitary Condition.
The booklet goes through various stages with the aim to support those with Pituitary conditions as they go through;
Diagnosis
Problems Associated with treatment
Emotional & Psychological aspects of Pituitary Conditions
Life events that impact on Pituitary Conditions and
Stress Management Techniques
Consideration is given to the length of time it takes to be diagnosed, to the reality of what it means, the unpredictability of Pituitary conditions and self awareness required to remain safe and well.
A great but simple tip is to head to a quiet zone first thing in the morning and then;
‘First, just listen to your breathing, then to your body, then to your thoughts, and finally to your emotions. The idea is not that you judge but that you become aware of what your body is trying to tell you’.(https://pituitary.org.uk/media/310833/Psychological-impact_16-10-15.pdf)
Keeping detailed journals are also advised, helping you on the road to acceptance of your condition, which in turn moves you onto the next phrase of dealing with a diagnosis and the emotions that you may feel. The long windy road of treatment plans, the impact of other life events and the importance of understanding and supporting your stress levels. Unusual topics include;
Colour Therapy
Rituals
Smiling &
Being Your Own Best Friend!
Further support is available through ‘The Journey Through Pituitary Conditions’. The title Your Journey just highlights how important it is to look at yourself as an individual and not as someone else you may meet in clinic with the same condition. Key elements included are;
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
Dealing With Emotions
Impaired Memory & Concentration
Fatigue, Sleep, Pain & Fertility
The great news is that there are many support agencies and networking agencies that are here to help support. We begin with two areas and utilise the extensive knowledge, understanding and practical support that the charity MIND have produced. Self Care and Rest aren’t necessarily at the front of everyones queue BUT they are crucial and without them it will be hard for us to manage our conditions effectively and support you as you navigate life with challenging symptoms, barriers to inclusion and the ability to function on a day to day basis.
Self Care
Self-care can be defined as;
‘The process of taking care of oneself with behaviours that promote health and active management of illness when it occurs. Individuals engage in some form of self-care daily with food choices, exercise, sleep, and dental care (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self-care)
This is clearly not a new idea as we can see here;
‘While the concept of self care has received increased attention in recent years, it has ancient origins. Socrates has been credited with founding the self-care movement in ancient Greece, and care are of oneself and loved ones has been shown to exist since human beings appeared on earth. Self-care remains a primary form of healthcare worldwide’.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self-care
MIND produce a number of self care booklets that are tied at different scenarios and mental health conditions. For example;
Each looks through practical activities you can undertake, causes, treatments and relevant contacts. The site is extensive and has a great search mechanism.
Getting Some Rest
Take a rest and get some rest are two different things. Taking a rest is more along the lines of having a break. Getting away from what you are doing for even a few moments. Whereas ‘Get Some Rest’ usually refers to actually stopping and leaving what you are doing to go home or having a proper break. This also opens us up into the realms of relaxation. Taking time out for ourselves and coming back stronger and more able to focus on whatever task we need to complete. It doesn’t mean we have to go off for a nap! Summed up nicely in the quote below;
Relaxation Tips from MIND include the following categories;
Taking a break
Trying Active relaxation
Focusing on your breathing
Getting Creative
Spending Time in nature
Picturing Yourself Somewhere Serene
Listening To Music
Doing A Tech Check
Theres a great YouTube Video you can watch if you want something quick, easy and helpful.
Here we have scratched the surface with a few ideas and some extremely good condition management guidance. We’ve looked at simple but effective solutions to help support the medical side of very complex and difficult conditions. These can filter directly into other conditions that you may be facing. Some changes can make a lot of difference. One small step at a time, at your own pace and without comparison. No judgement should be involved. Everyones journey is unique.
*As you read our blogs please remember that we are all on the same pathways as you. Sometimes we find what we convey helpful but at other times we don’t. However, we include it because everyones journey is different and we like to have this passionate perseverance to help others as much as possible. To dispose of it all would be a waste and a dis-service to our readers.
The Important Links
The Pituitary Foundation - The Psychological Impact of Pituitary Conditions Booklet
The Pituitary Foundation - You Journey Booklet
Wikipedia - Self Care - Definition & History
MIND - Self Care For Anxiety and Panic Attacks
MIND - Self Care For Bereavement
MIND - Support Your Stories - Journal To Self Love
MIND - Relaxation Tips For Everyday Living