The Importance of Emotional Expression in Chronic Health Issues
A chronic health condition and its associated symptoms and resulting losses inevitably lead to profound and fundamental emotional experiences. Loss of function, of independence, self-image, personal and professional roles, and loss of what was once expected of a future, just to name a few, have severe emotional consequences. Especially when the daily burdens of a disease are exacerbated by chronic pain, as is the case with migraines, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis and neurological ailments, you experience what is known as emotional overwhelm in grief, anxiety, depression, anger despair and loneliness.
For reasons that are too numerous to elaborate on in the context of this brief article, chronic illness sufferers have few opportunities to express their emotional experiences in current clinical settings. Especially in the present circumstances, when real-time, face-to-face consultations are subject to restrictions and risks, the needs for emotional expression are insufficiently provided for. This, while it has been well researched and documented that people who are able, with appropriate support, to establish and maintain a good level of emotional well-being, are highly motivated and committed to on-going positive coping methods, effective self-management and adherence to medication~, lifestyle~ and self-compassion regimen, with significant benefits to their physical well-being.
There is currently a need for good-quality, accessible and affordable emotional support by means of user-friendly, online options, such as telephonic / video / email counselling, therapeutic practices such as facilitated therapeutic writing, and a range of facilitated (as opposed to self-help ! ) emotional wellness and resilience programs. But there is much that you can do yourself. This begins, first of all, with fully acknowledging and validating your emotions. Too often, we hide our anger, disappointments, grief and despair from others out of shame or because we 'don’t want to be a burden’. And we might become so skilled at that practice, that we hide our emotions even from ourselves.
E-motion; energy in motion, is necessary for the free flow of energy. For this, you wish to be present with your feelings, even your feelings of distress, grief, frustration and fear. If you feel you could use some support in becoming more free in your feeling life, consider the numerous Mindfulness exercises, workshops and guided meditations you’ll find online.
Next, engaging in counselling and so-called talk therapy, would be most beneficial. But, as was mentioned, such opportunities might not easily be available, and some people would rather use different ways of expressing themselves. Through a method of Therapeutic Writing, for example. This is a special and closely facilitated methodology of writing that helps you access your deeper, sometimes hidden feelings (also known as Expressive Writing – designed and developed by James Pennebaker). Write to heartandsoul.arjan@protonmail.com for facilitated Therapeutic Writing options and programs.
Journaling could be another supportive method, whereby you can keep a daily journal, almost like a personal diary, or you can sign up for a guided journaling program, whereby you receive frequent so-called prompts. Again, a cursory search will bring up several facilitated online journaling services, as well as instruction booklets.
Artistic and/or creative activities also support and strengthen your inner life and sense of purpose. Here, it is not a matter of 'being good' at something or creating grand pieces of art or music. Rather, it is about engaging on a feeling level and expressing your emotions.
Comments