Taking Charge: How to Master the Eight Most Common Fears of Long-term Illness

Years of family counseling has helped psychiatric social worker Irene Pollin identify eight common fears shared by all who cope with long-term, chronic illness: fears of loss of control, loss of self-image, dependency, stigma, abandonment, expressing anger, isolation, and death. Using compassionate case studies combined and clear practical information, this book is a wonderful resource because it addresses and allays concerns and ends the paralysis that fear can often bring. I love the title of this book, because it is an indicator of the book itself. Very useful and practical in helping people cope with chronic illness

I was not even 20 when I was diagnosed with Lupus. Now, almost 7 years later and three kids later, it's a "real" problem (try chasing my kids around the house for an hour!). This book really made the problems surrounding my chronic illness clear and I realized I've been so focused on being sick that I couldn't get well. This book was a life-saver and even though I have my down days, I know it is always there to pick up and give me the boost I need. Now if I can get my little two year old to settle down I'd be just fine (well, almost).

This book I did find useful. I often find that the medical establishment is very good at dealing with the physical side of disease, but do little to help you with the emotional and social aspects. This book is especially useful for the newly diagnosed with any chronic illness as it deals extremely well with the various emotions that occur as you come to grips with the diagnosis. It also deals with the fears that are involved (fear of dependency, fear of death, fear of abandonment, etc.) and other issues such as dealing with the handicapped stigma, isolation, telling others about your disease (should you or shouldn't you "come out" at work), etc. It also talks about different coping styles and how a mis-match between you and your relatives-one needing to talk about it, and one unable to-can cause difficulties in your relationships. I was glad to see that it was extremely supportive of support groups, recommending them many times as a way of coping emotionally and practically. with the disease.