Being diagnosed with a terminal illness will bring with it challenges and a complete reshuffling of the things you want to focus on. Having coping methods and plans will allow you to get maximum enjoyment from life and they will help you to better cope with the challenges that lie ahead. The following are four ways to help cope with the diagnosis of a terminal illness.
Learn About Viatical Settlements
Having your finances in order will leave you with less to worry about and give you more time to spend with friends and family and doing what you love. If you have a life insurance policy, it is possible to sell it to a buyer and receive a lump sum in cash. This cash can be used to do all those things you’ve wanted to do, or to pay off debts. If you’d like to know more about a viatical settlement and how it works, you can review a guide on everything you need to know. Money will be one of your biggest concerns and it will take stress off family members if you are able to resolve all your financial issues.
Set Your Priorities
Only you will know what your priorities are for the time you have left, but it is important to discuss them with family and friends. By doing so, they will all be aware of what is important to you and the things you want to do. Take the time to consider what you want and set them as goals to achieve. You can even create a checklist for changing your lifestyle during this sensitive time that your family and friends have access to so that they can support you in your specific goals and wishes. Considering whether or not you want to continue treatment for your illness or if certain treatments may affect your ability to achieve your goals is worth the time early on so that you know where you are in terms of treatment and ability to do the things you want.
Talk About It
It’s a subject that is not going to be easy to talk about, especially with friends and family but talking about the feelings and emotions surrounding your health is a must. You will face a wave of different emotions and having a release will go some way to allowing you to deal with them, so they do not affect you doing what you want to do. Finding someone who you especially trust and have an understanding with will help you to articulate how you’re feeling. If talking is difficult, you always have the option to write a diary or simply write down your thoughts and feelings on a piece of paper as an outlet.
Live Life to the Fullest
Once you have taken the time to plan what you want to do and achieve, take the opportunity to do what you can to achieve them. If there’s a trip you’ve always wanted to take, and health permits, then go for it. Not only will doing the things you want help to keep your mind at ease, you will have a sense of living your life despite the situation you face. Spend time with friends and family, enjoy doing the things you enjoy doing the most so that you won’t have any regrets. While this may seem pointless at times, fighting the urge to give up will make you feel better mentally.