Clinician Offers Advice To Help Chronically Ill Cope With the Holidays
November 21, 2002

Contact: Pauline Bartel
(518) 237-1353

The whirl of year-end holidays can be overwhelming, especially for those battling chronic illnesses such as Multiple Sclerosis, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and Fibromyalgia, according to Patricia Fennell, LCSW, a nationally recognized Chronic Illness expert. Chronic illness is a life-altering challenge currently faced by more than 50% of the United States population, according to the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Fennell is known as "the Kubler-Ross of Chronic Illness" because of her groundbreaking work in an emerging field affecting millions. She developed a comprehensive, "Four-Phase" treatment plan for helping patients navigate the physical, psychological, and social aspects of chronic illness. Fennell's "Four-Phase" treatment model is an original, research-based approach developed from her extensive experience working with patients with chronic disease and syndromes. The model is being utilized by clinicians and research scientists around the world, including Europe, Australia, and Canada.
"Holidays require unusual expenditures of energy from everyone, but they're more demanding of the chronically ill," Fennell says.

The first concern is to decide whether or not the chronically ill individual will participate in holiday activities. That decision depends on the phase of the illness (i.e., Crisis, Stabilization, Resolution, or Integration) the individual is experiencing.

"You need to figure out logically what you can and what you can't do," according to Fennell.
Fennell advises the chronically ill individual first to evaluate the benefits and costs of attending a holiday activity. If the decision is made to attend, the individual should establish certain participation parameters with family or friends regarding how involved and elaborate the person's role in the activity will be.

Next, the individual should begin preparations for the activity ahead of time. Fennell suggests making a list of everything the activity requires such as selecting appropriate clothes, having hair cut and styled, selecting a gift, etc.

Next, the individual should cut back on regular activities in advance of the occasion and plan special rest periods during the last few crucial days. Last, after the activity, the individual must plan a rest period before resuming ordinary life.

Fennell is a clinician specializing in chronic illness, trauma, and bereavement counseling. She is the author of The Chronic Illness Workbook: Strategies and Solutions for Taking Back Your Life (New Harbinger Publications, Inc.). Fennell is the President and CEO of Albany Health Management, an organization engaged in counseling, health-related research, professional training, community education, and chronic illness retreats.

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