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Information about all aspects of finances affected by a serious health condition. Includes income sources such as work, investments, and private and government disability programs, and expenses such as medical bills, and how to deal with financial problems.
Information about all aspects of health care from choosing a doctor and treatment, staying safe in a hospital, to end of life care. Includes how to obtain, choose and maximize health insurance policies.
Answers to your practical questions such as how to travel safely despite your health condition, how to avoid getting infected by a pet, and what to say or not say to an insurance company.

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We constantly experience emotions. The range and the depth of emotions is likely to change in the new normal that exists after a diagnosis - starting with the range of emotions that are likely to surface on diagnosis. Different emotions are usually associated with different diseases and disease stages . Emotions such as fear and anxiety may be triggered by contact with the health care system. It helps to be aware so you can watch for negative emotions and lessen their impact. 

Watch for depression. Depression is common. Left untreated, depression can interfere with taking meds or following through on your therapy. Learn the symptoms such as feeling like you're stuck at the bottom of an emotional roller coaster. Know your options.

Do what you can to avoid stress. Some stress is unavoidable such as stress when you're concerned about finances, the stress that may come from waiting for test results or that accompanies holidays. There are techniques that help. 

Anxiety can result from a batch of triggers including fear of a treatment or death or because of an anniversary. A reasonable amount of anxiety can be used as a motivation to get the best medical care. It can also be used to get your finances and estate affairs in order which in turn helps relieve unnecessary stress. If anxiety interferes with your functioning, there are both self-help and medical treatments available. Panic attacks are also treatable.

The feeling of loss/grief for loss of what was is common. There are techniques for coping with this natural feeling.

If you learn about the potential side and after effects of a treatment or drug, there is less likelihood of dismay when predictable side effects occur.

A positive mental attitude can help extend the calm periods and minimize the difficult emotional turns. It can also help turn the experience into a positive life-changing one.

Find your strength in whatever helped you deal with life's issues before your diagnosis. A major source of strength for many people is religion and/or spirituality. To help you cope, there are self help techniques, professionals, other people going through what you're going through, your team of family and friends, and drugs and treatments (including what we refer to as complementary medicine). There is a power that comes from a connection with other people.

Humor can be a big help. So can diet, exercise, looking your best, living with a pet, volunteering, and forgiveness.

Express your emotions. It's good for you. If you don't do it for you, do it for the people closest to you. They need you to do that.

Keep in mind that there is no reason for shame or blame about your health condition.

Support groups aren't just for support - or for women. They can also be a major source of the kind of practical information doctors and nurses don't have the time to talk about.

If feelings of suicide surface, get help. Suicide is a permanent solution for what could be a temporary situation.


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