December Newsletter “Help with Physical Illness”

Q: I have high blood pressure, and my doctor suggested that I see a therapist. I don’t have a mental illness. Why should I go see a therapist?

Many therapists are trained to treat physical illnesses, and well as mental illnesses. Some of the ways that therapists can help are listed below. There are many other ways that therapists can help improve medical conditions.

High Blood Pressure – Therapists can teach skills to lower stress and increase physical relaxation. When you use these skills regularly, these skills may improve your blood pressure problem.

Diabetes – Many people have trouble managing their diabetes. Managing diet and exercise are usually the two most difficult problems. Therapists can help you learn ways to improve your diet, exercise, and sleep. These habits can help avoid severe problems from diabetes like blindness, heart disease, and amputation.

Chronic Pain – There are limits to pain relief when you only use medication for pain. Many therapists are trained to help you reduce pain, avoid depression, and become more active. These skills can be used repeatedly, so you can enjoy your time away from work.

Cancer – There are many difficult changes that you make during your cancer treatment. There are also difficult changes after your treatment is successful. Therapists can help make changes in thinking and emotion so that treatment is easier to go through. They can also help families support the treatment of someone with cancer. Therapists also can help with end of life issues, if that is needed.

Sleep – Diabetes, chronic pain, and cancer can interfere with sleep. Many other medical conditions can interfere with sleep too. Therapists can teach skills to improve sleep, and work with your medical doctor to help you sleep better. This can also help you be less likely to develop problems with depression or anxiety. A therapist can be an important part of the treatment team when you have sleep problems.
 

A therapist will work closely with your primary care physician to make sure you get the best treatment. If you would like to find out how a therapist might help with these illnesses or with other illnesses, please call PMHM today at 1-800-776-4357. We want you to have the best treatment available for your physical and mental health.