Psychosocial Aspects
C.F is a serious chronic illness. Like all chronic illnesses it can also cause social, emotional and psychological problems. In this chapter we will discuss these issues, and suggest how to deal with them.
Diagnosing cystic fibrosis lands on the parents a variety of feelings and thrills that include:
Concern – for the child’s well-being. Anxiety – about his future.
Feelings of guilt and guilt – because of the birth of a child He inherited such a serious illness from his parents. Dedicate to the sick child.
It is quite natural to feel all these feelings. However, it is important to know that it is possible to overcome and cope. A free conversation about your feelings with your family, friend, and medical staff will help.
The CF patient’s emotional development
C.F. disease will add problems to the already complicated process of normal childhood development. As with any chronic illness the extent of coping will be determined to some extent, depending on additional problems that arise in the future.
Some of the rules outlined below may help monitor the emotional and psychological development of the CF patient & nbsp;
Behaving with your child very naturally.
Avoid overprotection.
Encourage. Your children become independent as they grow up.
Every parent tends to the awning and protect their children, however, the child needs to experience the facts of life for himself so that he grows up naturally and adapts to life. There is a link between physical and mental health, so try not to overprotect your child. At this point, a number of issues arise that require special consideration
Exercise
Encourage your child to exercise as much as possible. Playing with other children allows him to feel a sense of belonging to the group. Such activity also stimulates the cough, which is a good way to clear the mucus from the airways.
Babysitters
Hiring a babysitter can benefit both you and your child. The child will be exposed to a new and very normal experience, and you will be allowed to relax a bit and leave the house. Behave the same way you would with a normal child. Give the babysitter precise instructions on your child’s habits and leave a phone number so that it is possible to reach you if necessary.
Kindergarten
Kindergarten allows your child to play and learn with his or her age group. It is advisable to prevent young children with C.F. from staying in day care centers and kindergartens during the outbreak of viral diseases such as influenza.
Spending the night away from home
Accommodation at the home of a fun friend for kids. If necessary, the lung can be drained before the child leaves the house, but care must be taken to take the extra enzymes and regular medications with him.
What about discipline?
Many parents of children with C.F. express concern about discipline. Many of them hesitate or feel guilty about punishing the child. However, discipline is needed for every child (including the child with C.F) in order to adapt to the environment and for his mental health.
you must exercise the same discipline and rules of conduct that apply to other children in the family. If you have other children who are not sick, C.F. may resent what they see as excessive care for the sick child.
Sometimes the child will object to treatments. Explain to him their importance to his health. Try to make the treatments pleasant by playing music and games or watching T.V. shows.
Education
Once the child is able to understand, the nature of cystic fibrosis should be explained to him. He should be interviewed at a level appropriate to his age, personality, and understanding ability. If you have any questions, please consult with the treating medical staff.
It is also important to teach the other children and the rest of the household about C.F. to understand why the sick child is given special attention.
Teens and Adolescents
As a child with CF grows older, he or she will experience some of the special problems of a teenager or adolescent with CF. Dependence.
Embarrassment for being different
Teens may feel embarrassed about the cough. They may also be shorter in stature, or thinner than their classmates. In addition, they may get tired more easily during exercise. They must also take medication or receive treatment while in school.
A teenager’s embarrassment can be alleviated if he understands the essence of the C.F., how the disease causes problems, and why treatments and medications are necessary. If he understands, he can explain to friends that cough is not contagious but helps cleanse the lungs, that vitamins are needed. Medications help digest food and fight respiratory infections. When one removes the mystery envelope from the matter, a great deal of understanding can be gained from the other. If the patient’s and his family’s attitude is natural and a normal part of life, so will his friends.
Addiction resentment
Teens and adolescents strive for independence and may rebel against schedules, treatments, medications, and restrictions. It is natural for an adolescent to resist being dependent on his parents. Experiencing independence, and accepting responsibility are an important part of growing up.
Try to be patient, understanding and flexible. Encourage the child to take on more independence in caring for his or her health as soon as possible.
Adolescence is a difficult time for everyone. However, it is all the more difficult for a patient suffering from a chronic illness such as C.F. Special problems arise in connection with his education, the attainment of his independence, his sexual and social maturity, the planning of the profession for the future, etc. The medical staff at the C.F. Center will help prepare the teenager to deal with all of these puberty problems.
The adult
As today the life expectancy of C.F. patients increases, and they enjoy a healthier life, questions arise regarding independent living, marriage, family planning, and financial problems. The very existence of these issues constitutes a victory for the patient in C.F. He will nevertheless have difficulty dealing with them and his chronic illness. The hope and goal are that many C.F. patients will easily move into an adult lifestyle, as they blend concern for their health condition with independence, marriage, family, and ability to make a living. C.F. centers have special resources to help address these issues.
Brothers and Sisters
Remember that the C.F. patient’s siblings may feel inattentive and deprived by the parents because of the special attention given to the sick child. It is important to explain why special time is devoted to the sick child. Sometimes the brothers and sisters want to take care of the C.F. patient. Older children protect their sick brothers and take responsibility for the necessary care. Parents should also strive to give their healthy children time entirely theirs.
The public
Although cystic fibrosis is quite common, surprisingly most of the public lacks knowledge about the nature of the disease. This fact may make it difficult for parents and the patient to answer questions from friends, family, and other people about the disease and the child is ill. More effective and finding a complete cure.
Cystic fibrosis public associations, and public health professionals around the world are trying to explain to the general public the nature of the disease called “cystic fibrosis”.
Information on social and economic services can be obtained at the medical center where the patient is treated, and at the Israeli Cystic Fibrosis Association.
Remember!
Although C.F. has a major impact on the C.F.’s physical and emotional state, patients are able to lead a happy and fulfilling active life.
