major medical concerns
Psychological stress often accompanies the diagnosis of a chronic medical illness such as an autoimmune condition or cancer. Emotional distress can undermine overall wellbeing as well as the ability to actively deal with the medical condition.
Facing a diagnosis of a medical illness can challenge how we see ourselves and lead to symptoms of anxiety and depression. Sometimes the diagnosis may be difficult to accept and we may face a pattern of avoidance. The stress of a medical condition often affects the whole family, and when not addressed may undermine relationships. On the other hand, arriving at acceptance of a medical condition and dealing with it well can bring tremendous personal growth and improvement in key relationships.