Remember all those people who have talked to you about the importance of having a positive attitude? It turns out they were right. Individuals who believe that they have "the will and the way" to achieve their goals or positive outcomes seem to succeed more often. Hope has healing power. There is increasing evidence that optimists live longer, while pessimism can significantly impair health. It is possible to "learn" optimism, and to start to see the world differently. Challenging your own thoughts and the stories that you tell yourself, attaching meaning to small moments of happiness and "lightening up" through the use of humor and laughter are all strategies to promote a more optimistic view.
Successfully Coping With Emotions Can Improve Your Health
There are times when you will need to reach outside your own
support network for help in dealing with your emotions. You
may want or need to talk with a counselor or participate in
a support group for patients or families. Your doctor can help
you obtain these services. At MHVI, we provide social
workers and offer various support groups for patients
and families. For more information on services that are available,
call the MHVI Education Line at 734-712-3583.
Choose a topic at left and click for more information on Coping with Cardiovascular Disease.
