ABSTRACT
A technical grasp of a medical condition does not always give a person a sense of the emotions behind the disease. Medical professionals, of course, cannot afford to be emotionally invested in every illness they see. Some amount of distance is needed for them to maintain their own emotional health and to give good care to patients. However, emotional or psychological struggles are a large component of a patient's suffering. If these realities are ignored, a medical professional will be much less effective on any level.
Subject(s)
Adaptation, Psychological , Aphasia/psychology , Attitude to Health , Empathy , Professional-Patient Relations , Aneurysm, Ruptured/complications , Aphasia/etiology , Aphasia/prevention & control , Attitude of Health Personnel , Communication , Emotions , Health Services Needs and Demand , Helping Behavior , Humans , Intracranial Aneurysm/complications , Psychological Distance , Self-Help Groups , Social Support , Social WorkABSTRACT
Speaking from almost 30 years of experience living with aphasia, the author offers suggestions for health care professionals who relate to persons with this disorder. Persons with aphasia should be involved in meaningful activities, learn to accept limitations, build trusting relationships, strengthen social support, and find tools that facilitate communication.
Subject(s)
Adaptation, Psychological , Aphasia/psychology , Aphasia/rehabilitation , Humans , Interpersonal Relations , Motivation , Social Isolation , Social SupportABSTRACT
For people with aphasia, the struggle to communicate creates powerful emotions, such as anger and frustration, and feelings of isolation and depression. The author, who has had aphasia for more than 25 years, calls on health care professionals to relate to people with aphasia with patience, active listening, and motivation for success.
