Stress can be brought on easily with life changes. For this reason, people suffering from chronic
diseases like hemophilia may suffer from more stress than others on a regular basis. Patients
and/or patients’ families may suffer from emotional, mental and physical stress. Stress can
come from the diagnosis of the disease, financial woes, physical discomfort and fear of bleeding,
among other things.
It has been suggested that patients compose a list of whatever causes stress in a typical day or week. They should then categorize the listed items into two groups: stressors they can change and stressors they cannot change. There are things in their lives they will not be able to control, but they can learn to manage the stress allowing them to function most effectively and normally. With the stresses they cannot control, patients should try having a positive perspective and understand that some circumstances are beyond their control. While this is difficult, letting go of the things they cannot control will help them release their burdens.
Identify
The Mayo Clinic staff explains that identifying how you react to stress is the first step. Common
negative stress reactions include anger, depression, negativity, pain, smoking, crying and
overeating. The clinic suggests that you try management strategies to reduce the chances of
these reactions by taking up a hobby, scaling back on work, being prepared should a bleed occur,
reaching out to others when stressed, getting enough sleep and seeking professional help if
needed.
Simplify
A few of its helpful hints include for reducing stress are:
• Try to exercise and eat healthy. This can help you deal with stress more effectively.
• Learn to balance the stress with relaxation. Come up with a few relaxation techniques,
ones that fit your lifestyle best.
• Face life with a positive outlook; try laughing at yourself sometimes, and laugh in general.
• Try asking for help from friends and family instead of doing everything yourself; learn to
say no to things you do not have enough time to accomplish or work on.
For tips on how to prepare for the stress of college take a look at College Tips 101.
Stress Management: http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/stress-management/basics/definition/prc-20021046
Living With Hemophilia College Tips: http://www.livingwithhemophilia.com/transitions/
articles/college-tips-201—advanced.jsp