Self-Managing Your Epilepsy Through Problem-Solving Strategies
Another significant strategy that you can use to self-manage and/or cope with your epilepsy is through a technique known as "problem-solving." (From Working Towards Wellbeing)
What is "Problem-Solving"?
Simply put, problem-solving is the process of learning how to manage one's own problems. When a person is faced with a difficult or complicated problem (or even more than one problem), it can sometimes seem quite overwhelming and impossible for him or her to cope. The problem-solving strategy can be a helpful technique to use in terms of helping a person make his or her problems more manageable and less stressful.
How does the "problem-solving" strategy work?
The problem-solving strategy involves five major components:
-
Write down all the major problems or worries that you are currently facing in your life. Rather than going into specific detail about these major problems, try instead to focus on getting the general ideas or themes within each of these problems. For example, you may write a list of your problems as: (1) not having enough money to pay my bills; (2) experiencing many arguments with my spouse; (3) my anti-convulsant medication is causing horrible side effects.
-
Once you have listed these problems, try to begin the process of prioritizing your problems. This means that, rather than trying to work on all your problems at once, it is probably easier to examine your list carefully and decide which problems or concerns are most important to you. In other words, it is deciding which problems need to be solved first or are urgent. Sometimes, as well, it can also be useful to initially choose a problem where solutions can be more easily found. The task of resolving even a small problem can give you the confidence you need to work on managing more complicated or difficult problems.
-
Once you have chosen a problem to work on, it is useful to clearly define and understand as much as possible about the problem by 'breaking' it down into separate parts. This involves exploring the specific details and issues that are part of that general problem. For example, for the problem involving your "anti-convulsant medication causing horrible side effects" you might ask yourself the following questions: What kind of side effects am I experiencing?; What do I mean when I say "horrible"? ; How often am I experiencing these side effects?; What kinds of effects are these side effects having on my personal life, work life, relationships, etc.?
-
Once you have a more clear and specific understanding of this problem, write down a list of all the possible things that can be done to help you manage and/or resolve this problem. In other words, try to think of all possible solutions to your problem, whether you think these solutions are good or bad (Examples: ask friends and/or family members for help? speak to my physician?)
-
After you have written all the possible solutions, it is now time to evaluate or examine both the "pros" (benefits, advantages) and "cons" (risks, disadvantages) of each possible solution. During this step, you might also want to think about how realistic and/or feasible each possible solution might be.
-
In the final step of "problem-solving," you choose one or more solutions from this list of possible solutions in order to help manage or resolve your problem. Once you have made your choice, it is time to put this choice into action.
-
Evaluate the "solution" you used to help manage your problem. What happened? How effective/ineffective was this strategy? If your strategy did not work, don't despair and blame yourself. It is important to realize that there are other options out there for you.
And remember, all of us need help and support from time to time. If you feel that you do not have the resources and strength to cope with your life difficulties, contact Epilepsy Toronto at (416) 964-9095 or by e-mail.
More Coping |
