Trying to Stay Positive

It's easy to get down in the dumps when you don't feel well. Your body feels like it is failing you, and this can easily cause you to feel depressed and discouraged. When you physically feel bad, it can cause an array of other symptoms, many of them mental and emotional. But it is important to keep your spirits up, however, even in the deepest, darkest moments of your life.

The brain is a complicated machine that is still not fully understood, even by the medical profession. It has even the brightest doctors baffled as to how it works. So if doctors do not fully understand the mechanics of the brain, it is certain that us laymen do not either. What we do know is that when the body starts to fail us; it gets sick or has mechanical problems, it does affect the brain. Knowing this, you can imagine that if it is your brain that is not working properly, due to pressure being put on it from a cyst, then you will certainly feel the effects of this both emotionally and mentally.

You have been running from doctor to doctor trying to get someone; anyone to listen to you about your symptoms, but all you are hearing is that these cysts do not normally cause problems for people. And that it must be something else causing your symptoms. Because of this, you are sent to more doctors; all different types and from all different branches of medicine. This can be frustrating. You feel all alone and frustrated. You may even start to get depressed because you don't feel right, or feel well, and no one is listening.

If at any time in your life, however, it is important to stay positive - and it is important to stay focused. Especially if you aren't getting anyone to listen to you and you are being handed off to other branches of the medical field, such as Ear, Nose, and Throat specialists, Internal Medicine doctors, etc. If you allow yourself to get depressed or down in the dumps, you cannot stay focused enough to make the right decisions for yourself.

The trick is finding a way to have positive thinking as you pursue your endeavors to get medical treatment. And the trick is remembering that if you stay positive, you will better be able to be your best advocate.

So how do you stay positive, how do you continue to stay focused and not let your emotions get the best of you?

(1) Set goals. If you set your goals on getting yourself the best medical treatment and work toward finding the best medical attention, this can help take your mind off some of the symptoms you are dealing with. It keeps you busy. If you need to, enlist a friend or family memeber to help you research doctors or facilities for your condition. Once you've made an appointment, allow yourself to get excited about seeing someone new, and view the appointment as a new opportunity to tell your story - the story of what is going on with you and your brain.

(2) Try to continue to do things you enjoy, or once enjoyed. If you can't do everything you once used to, find something you can still do, even if it's a walk around the block. This will help take your mind of your problem, if only for a few minutes. Also, getting fresh air and a little exercise can go a long way.

(3) Get plenty of rest. When your body gets run down, even if it isn't "sick" per se, but run down from not functioning properly, it can cause you to get depressed. Keeping your body and brain rested will help to keep your spirits up and your attitude positive.

(4) Talk to Someone. If you do not feel like a family member or friend is your best option, talk to a counselor. They can help you by listening, and giving you tips on how to deal with and live with a chronic medical problem. They may even have connections or contacts for you in the medical profession; such as a neurosurgeon or neurologist to get you started or keep you going in your pursuit to find treatment.

(5) Lastly, be tenacious. Do not give up. Giving up on yourself can cause even more depression, and loss of self worth. Stay focused and keep trying. Set your goals and go for them. If you have a goal to see two neurosurgeons in two weeks time, go for it. Stick to your plans and your goals.