Category Archives: Life

Understanding The Complexity Of A Medical Diagnosis

03/06/2023 R.C. Liley Leave a comment

If you’re diagnosed with a medical condition, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. While some conditions can be manageable, some might need to be managed with more time and effort, and could have an impact on your usual day-to-day living. Regardless of the severity of the condition, understanding you have it is the first step, and making a plan to deal with it is the second.

However, life isn’t always the same for two people with the same condition, meaning that it’s important to plan out the right approach for you. Organizing this, while also trying to understand the scope of the condition, how it may affect you, the plans you need to make for your family, and of course, dealing with your emotions and worries can seem quite intensive. An overbearing feeling of runaway complexity can often be just as disorienting as the condition itself.

Luckily, we do have some control over this. In this post, we’ll discuss how to think about the complexity of your medical diagnosis, and put a plan in place for future success:

Utilize Charitable Or Organized Resources

Help is out there. It’s a sad realization, but also comforting to know you won’t be going through this alone, and others out there understand what you’re having to deal with. For instance, the MS Center and organizations similar to it can help with information, support, and even providing therapeutic treatments where appropriate. Look to organized or charitable resources like this depending on your means, and don’t be ashamed to ask for that help. It can, quite literally, unlock your quality of life to a higher degree.

Join Social Groups Dedicated To Mutual Support

It’s important to join support groups that can help you discuss your diagnosis, the realities and lessons that come from living with the condition, and also provide you a means to express yourself and feel able to vent in a safe environment. It doesn’t matter if it’s in person or online through a support group, if you feel comfortable sharing or feeling connected to others, then you feel less alone, and you won’t be alone. That in itself can help our mood tremendously, and gives us an outlet for the issues we might deal with.

Get Everything Down In Writing

Trying to remember everything you’ve been told, everything you have to do, and how to refit and re-establish your day to day can be a tough ask, especially when you’re trying to come to terms with the news, however light. This is why it’s good to get everything down in writing if you can. A note taking app on your phone, or a physical folder you can use for resources, medical brochures, printouts from the official sources online, and all of your insurance or care provider information can be helpful to have to hand , and this takes organization. Even if it’s just setting up a capable medicine-intake schedule on your refrigerator, all of this counts and really does help out.

With this advice, you’re sure to develop a robust means of responding, and living well, with a condition that you’ve been diagnosed with.

Going Healthy, Going Strong, Health, Life, Parenting

Coping with a Child’s Diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy

03/01/2023 R.C. Liley Leave a comment

Hearing that your child has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy can be devastating. It is natural to feel overwhelmed by the news, and it can be challenging to know how to cope. While there is no easy answer for dealing with this kind of news, there are some steps you can take to help you move forward and provide the best life possible for your child. This blog post will discuss helpful tips for coping when your child is diagnosed with cerebral palsy.

parent holding child's hand, love, parenting, motherhood, mother, fatherhood, father, strength

Via Pixabay

Get Educated About the Condition

One of the most important things you can do after your child’s diagnosis is to educate yourself about the condition. Learn about the different types of cerebral palsy, its symptoms, and its potential treatments. Knowing as much as you can about CP will help you better understand what your child is going through and make it easier for you to advocate for them if needed. Additionally, talking to other parents with children with CP can be incredibly helpful in understanding how they cope and what tips they have for providing optimal care.

Seek Support From Family and Friends

No one should ever have to go through this alone; seek support from family members and friends who understand what you are going through. Ask them for help caring for your child, or ask them to listen when you need someone to talk to. Additionally, finding a support group in your area of other families with children with CP can provide emotional support and advice on how best to care for your child’s needs.

Find Resources That Can Help You

There are many resources available that can help make life easier when dealing with a CP diagnosis. These include financial resources such as government benefits or charity programs that assist with medical expenses or equipment needs; educational resources such as special education programs; therapy resources such as physical therapy and occupational therapy; and recreational activities such as adapted sports teams or social groups specifically designed for children with CP. Researching these options now will give you peace of mind knowing that help is available.

Get The Right Medical Team

It is essential to ensure you have the right medical team. This includes finding a doctor specializing in CP and a nurse practitioner or social worker who can help coordinate care and provide emotional support. Working with these professionals will ensure your child receives the best care possible. There are also some online solutions to talk to a nurse directly.

No two children are exactly alike regarding CP, and the path forward will differ for each family. But no matter what, it is essential to talk to a nurse or other healthcare provider about your child’s diagnosis so they can provide advice and resources that best fit your family’s needs. These steps will ensure you have the knowledge, support, and help to navigate this unique and challenging situation. With proper guidance, you can provide your child with a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life no matter their diagnosis.

Life, Parenting, Tips

3 Mistakes To Avoid During A Separation

02/10/2023 R.C. Liley Leave a comment

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Separation from a spouse is an emotional period for anyone who has experienced it and usually precedes divorce. According to research, only 13% of separated couples reconcile and do not proceed to the divorce stage. However, if there is no hope of reconciliation, it is best to take certain precautions in order not to mar the impending proceedings. Below are some mistakes to avoid during separation.

Engaging in social media battles

One of the biggest mistakes people make during a separation is engaging in social media battles with their soon-to-be ex-partner. Posting hurtful or negative comments on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram can only escalate the situation and make things worse. Already, emotions are high and such actions are inflammatory and unhealthy for all parties involved, especially when there are kids in the picture. Aside from harming your partner, engaging in social media battles can also negatively impact your mental health and well-being. Additionally, it can have legal implications if the content is considered defamatory.

Social media provides a platform for partners to air their grievances and post negative or hurtful comments about each other. However, escalating an already bad situation does nothing good for either party, as it can cause avoidable issues such as character assassination. As tempting as it may be to go onto these platforms to air your emotions, it’s best to avoid doing that. During this period, it’s prudent to listen to your divorce lawyer, especially when they caution you on the possible repercussions of such an action. If it helps, you can take a break from social media to help you get through that stage before coming back online. You can also seek emotional support from friends, family, or a professional therapist.

Resorting to self-destructive habits

It is natural to feel overwhelmed by emotions during a separation. However, it is important to be self-aware of your mental state. That will help you avoid self-destructive habits, such as excessive drinking, drug use, or risky sexual behavior. These actions often have serious consequences for your health and well-being and can harm your reputation and relationships. Instead, seek support from a reliable network that understands the situation and will walk you through the dark moments. It is better to handle your emotions healthily and constructively rather than resort to reactions you may later regret. Self-destructive behaviors can affect your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. If left unattended, they can become habits you cannot break without professional help. If you’re really struggling to come to terms with the end of your relationship, consider writing a separation agreement with your partner to develop a new relationship with them. Often, separated couples will still see each other for the sake of their children, so whilst your relationship is ending, this is your chance to agree a new kind of relationship with them. You can use a lawyer to write your Separation Agreement in Calgary (or wherever you are), which can help to make the process more amicable.

Making hasty or impulsive decisions

Separation can also be a time of financial stress, as partners almost always have to divide assets, pay legal fees, and adjust to living on a single income. It can be tempting to make hasty or impulsive decisions, such as selling assets or quitting your job, to get through the process as quickly as possible. However, these decisions can have serious and long-lasting consequences. That is why it is important to seek the advice of a financial advisor or attorney before making any major financial moves during the separation.

Admittedly, sticking to the above tips during separation can be challenging. However, you can consciously avoid these mistakes with patience and discipline to make your separation process less stressful.