5 Ways to Cope with a Critical Illness

Receiving a critical illness diagnosis can be a shock. Your life may dramatically change with just a few words. Your care team creates a treatment plan to resolve the condition, if possible, but that doesn’t eliminate the stress and worry. Fortunately, following some coping strategies can help you process the news and life changes more easily. This article covers several ways to cope with a critical illness and helps to answer crucial questions, such as “what is critical illness insurance?”

1. Get all the facts

Getting all the facts can help you prevent the overwhelm and emotional turmoil of a diagnosis, giving you a realistic assessment of the situation and guiding you in what to do. Therefore, it’s important to gather information about your diagnosis, prognosis, treatment options, and insurance.

For example, if you’re unsure about the financial aspects of a condition that you may be at a high risk of, you might ask, “do I need critical illness insurance?” Critical illness insurance is a type of insurance policy that provides you with a lump-sum payment upon diagnosis of a specified serious illness.

Consult with your healthcare team and insurer if necessary. They are there to help you navigate the complexities and difficulties of a critical illness.

2. Identify and maintain a support network

A critical illness may make certain everyday tasks more difficult. However, a support network can step in and help with certain aspects of life. For example, family and friends are often happy to step and help with certain things, such as:

• Cooking
• Transportation
• Socialization
• Chores
• Emotional support

Furthermore, building a support network of others with similar diagnoses can be extremely helpful. You’ll be able to bond with others over a common dilemma, share stories, swap coping strategies, and more. This can do wonders for mental health and help you stay positive.

3. Express yourself

Fear, anxiety, and denial are normal to feel when receiving a diagnosis. It’s ok to spend time working through these emotions and expressing yourself to others. Your support network, as mentioned earlier, is a great help here. Talk your feelings over with family members and friends if you can.

Consider professional help, such as counseling or therapy as well. Look for a therapist specializing in clients with chronic illnesses. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) are some good approaches to look for in a therapist.

4. Follow healthy habits

Healthy habits won’t cure a critical illness but can help reduce certain symptoms and improve your outlook. Plus, good health habits can lift your mood, raise your energy levels, and reduce stress. Here are some healthy habits to include:

• Diet: Eat a nutrient-rich diet. Lean meats, veggies, leafy greens, fruits, complex carbs, nuts, and seeds are some staples for a balanced diet.
• Exercise: Exercise can offer a range of health benefits. It can also improve your mood, reduce stress, and distract you from your diagnosis. Mix cardiovascular and resistance training for the best results.
• Sleep: Sleep is one of your body’s most powerful healing processes. Prioritize getting 7 to 8 hours of sleep at night.
• Stress reduction: Practice stress reduction techniques, such as mindfulness, meditation, and journaling, to reduce stress and relax.
• Adhere to treatment: Follow your medical provider’s treatment and medical instructions closely. Attend all necessary appointments.

All that said, speak with your medical professional before starting any new diet or exercise plan to avoid any possible complications.

5. Pursue what brings meaning and purpose

Some people find that a critical illness diagnosis changes their perspective on life. They feel a strong urge to reprioritize things and focus on only what brings them true meaning and purpose. If that’s you, you may consider shifting around your life’s priorities to pursue what brings you meaning and purpose.

Pursue hobbies and activities you find fun and interesting. Connect or reconnect with family and friends and spend quality time with them. Volunteering, if you’re able, can bring incredible fulfillment by allowing you to make dramatic impacts in the lives of others.

The bottom line

A critical illness diagnosis is some of the worst news you can hear. However, working through the emotions with the right coping strategies can help you enjoy life and find fulfillment. Gather the facts about the condition and your insurance coverage, then build a support network and share your feelings to process them. Follow healthy habits and pursue meaningful activities that bring you fulfillment. It’s crucial to remember that a diagnosis also impacts your loved ones. Following these coping strategies can help you stay more positive, giving them permission to stay optimistic as well.

Aflac coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus. In New York, coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of New York.

74000: Specified Health Event: In Delaware, Policies A74100DE, A74200DE, A74300DE. In Idaho, Policies A74100ID, A74200ID, A74300ID. In Oklahoma, Policies A74100OK, A74200OK, A74300OK. In Virginia, Policies A74100VA, A74200VA, A74300VA. 73100: Lump Sum CI: In Delaware, Policies A73100DE & A7310HDE. In Idaho, Policies A73100ID & A7310HID. In Oklahoma, Policies A73100OK & A7310HOK. In Virginia, Policy A73100VA & A7310HVA. B71000: In Delaware, Policies B71100, B71200, B7130H & B7140H. In Oklahoma, Policies B71100OK, B71200OK, B7130HOK & B7140HOK.

Coverage underwritten by Tier One Insurance Company. Tier One Insurance Company is part of the Aflac family of insurers. In California, Tier One Insurance does business as Tier One Insurance Life Insurance Company (Tier One NAIC 92908).

Critical Illness: In Delaware, Policy T71000. In Oklahoma, Policy T71000OK. In Virginia, Policy T71100VA. Not available in ID or NY.

Critical Illness/Specified Health Event. Coverage may not be available in all states, including but not limited to NJ, NM, NY or VT. Benefits/premium rates may vary based on state and plan levels. Optional riders may be available at an additional cost. Policies and riders may also contain a waiting period. Refer to the exact policy and rider forms for benefit details, definitions, limitations and exclusions.

Content within this article is provided for general informational purposes and is not provided as tax, legal, health, or financial advice for any person or for any specific situation. Employers, employees, and other individuals should contact their own advisers about their situations. For complete details, including availability and costs of Aflac insurance, please contact your local Aflac agent.

Aflac WWHQ | Tier One Insurance Company | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999

Z2401079                                                                                                Exp. 12/25

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