Five Factors Influence Recovery
BY ARLENE HARDER, MA, MFT
There is no magic bullet for recovery and cure, but there are five factors, both past and present, that have a lot to say about how you will get well.
While cause and treatment of any disease are highly complex, we can definitely say that physical well-being depends upon five factors, some of which, such as genetic make-up, are beyond your ability to change, but others, such as diet, are clearly within your power to do something about.
1. Past — and UNCHANGEABLE — Physical Factors
Genetic predisposition
Exposure to environmental risks
General health and vitality
Diet
Alcohol consumption
Smoking
Type of disease
Stage of disease at time of diagnosis
Age at onset of disease
Type of medical treatment up to present
2. Past — and UNCHANGEABLE — Non-Physical Factors
Ability to relax and reduce stress
Regular use of imagery and meditation techniques
Sense of well-being
Sense of control and purpose in life
Social support
Coping techniques and skill in dealing with challenges
3. Current — and CHANGEABLE — Physical Factors
Exposure to environmental risks
Healthy Diet
Moderate or no alcohol consumption
No smoking
Exercise
Comprehensive medical treatment
4. Current — and CHANGEABLE — Non-Physical Factors
Coping skills
Reaction to stressors
Use of relaxation, imagery and meditation techniques
Knowing self-care techniques for symptoms and side effects
Sense of self
Sense of purpose in life
Social support
Coping techniques and skill in dealing with challenges
5. UNQUANTIFIABLE — and CHANGEABLE — Factors
Will to live
Hope
Faith
Spiritual perspective |