Coping with Stress and Negative Emotions

Clinicians are rightfully focused on the clinical indicators and outcomes of chronic illness care, but for patients and families the central experience of chronic illness is often one of physical limitation, loss of function, and uncertainty in daily life. The fatigue and stresses of the disease and adapting life roles to accommodate changing capacities generate emotional responses that make a huge impact on the ability to self-manage. When clinical teams recognize this difference of perspective and acknowledge the everyday burden of illness and negative emotions (anger, fear, frustration) that so often accompany managing chronic diseases, patients and families feel heard and understood and are more willing to collaborate with clinical teams.

Over time, these interactions support the collaborative relationship that helps patients become more active managers of their health and keeps them going during challenging times. Sometimes the psychosocial burdens require help from behavioral health specialists. Care visits that regularly utilize depression screening questions such as the Patient Health Questionnaire 2 can ensure that those who need more intensive help will be identified.