Medical
Issues

Mid-life is the time when medical issues start to come to the forefront: 

Your eye sight isn’t as good, cholesterol and blood pressure start creeping up, and the doctor might tell you to lose a few pounds because your blood sugar is creeping up too. Aches and pains are more frequent and easier to come by. Merely standing up wrong can be the enemy.

And these are the easy issues. 

It’s also a time when more serious illnesses can come into play: cancer, major surgeries, autoimmune issues, heart conditions, stroke, and serious infections. 

When you were once able to do most anything and be fine, you now have to take medications, go to physical therapy or chemotherapy, no longer eat your favorite foods, and you have to see multiple doctors. 

You may not be able to do the things you used to love to do: hiking, bike riding, playing tennis, or even driving, because of your new limitations.

This new way of life for you takes up more and more of your time, resources, and mental and emotional energy. On top of the medical issues, all of these things can cause depression, anxiety, and can be traumatic. 

Even if you are doing something positive for your health to avoid medical issues, such as bariatric surgery, it is still stressful and life changing. It can be hard to cope and adapt. 

If you have friends or family who are also going through medical issues, they can be a great support. But sometimes their well-meaning advice can fall flat because it doesn’t take into account what you are going through as a unique individual. 

You need someone who can listen to you without jumping to advice, be patient with your struggles, and seeks to understand you as a whole person. 

As your therapist, I will help you to express your frustrations and fears about your medical issues, help you rebuild your life to function despite limitations, and , and help you find your strength to manage their health to the best of your ability.