
One coping theme is finding more information about the person's own chronic illness(es). Show the patient how to find what resources are available. Educate the patient and his/her family about the chronic illness.
A second coping theme is the use of stress management techniques. There are many ways to manage stress, but a person must learn the selected technique well enough to use it regularly. Stress management techniques include meditation, muscle relaxation, guided imagery, distraction, writing a journal, talking with a trusted friend, joining a support group or self-help course, talking with a professional such as a social worker, psychologist, or counselor, and biofeedback.
Biofeedback uses equipment that measures heart rate and muscle tension. Some insurance plans will pay for biofeedback equipment when it is ordered by a physician.
A third coping theme is identifying family and friends who can provide the ongoing support that is important to success in managing a chronic illness. This support may be emotional, physical, spiritual, financial, and so on.