How to Feel Better: Practical ways to recover well from illness and injury

Description

In days gone by, people understood that a knock to your health takes its toll on your emotions, your relationships, your morale, your 'spirit'. But these days, we think that if the doctor has waved you off, then you are 'better'. We neglect what scientific studies show is a vital element of recovery: the emotional side of getting better. As a result, many of us struggle with hidden issues such as depression, stress and anxiety long after a health crisis. This new book, from the authors of The Cancer Survivor's Companion (highly commended by the BMA and winner of the Guild of Health Writers' Best Health Book 2012) centres on the crucial, research-based (but widely overlooked) truth that 'getting better' is not just about the body - emotions play a huge part. Often, a person's emotional state is the one thing stopping them from a full recovery. Contents include: Why getting better takes time; why relaxation and exercise are both vital; how to build your confidence and tackle low mood and depression; how to eat for recovery; how to deal with medical advice and communicate well with your doctor; how to keep family life and relationships on track and much more. There are also case histories to inspire readers as well as fascinating snippets from times gone by which help to make this an entertaining as well as a highly practical, inspiring read.

Dr Frances Goodhart is a Consultant Clinical Health Psychologist with over 20 years' experience in the NHS. She specialises in working with adults, children and families coping with life-threatening or life-limiting illnesses. She has been a member of the Radio Five Live health panel, and is widely quoted in the press. Lucy Atkins is a well-known health journalist, writing for papers such as The Guardian, The Times and The Telegraph as well as for magazines and online sites. She is the author of three health-related titles.

This book is a joy - thoughtful and funny, practical and realistic. It takes the whole potentially terrifying process of medical investigation and treatment and breaks it down into manageable pieces, with well-researched tactics and tips to help at every stage. Designed to help both patients and carers, it avoids jargon and highlights the all-important psychological issues which are so often underestimated. Having a long-term illness brings many challenges, emotionally as well as physically. With this book comes the promise of feeling just a little less overwhelmed - Dr Sarah Jarvis, GP and medical broadcaster It is extraordinary that no one has written a book like this until now . . . . Inventive, practical and authoritative, this book will help with the obvious and unexpected challenges of recovery after illness - Dr Suzy Cleator BM BCh MRCP FRCR PhD, Consultant Clinical Oncologist and Honorary Senior Lecturer, St Mary's and Charing Cross Hospitals, Imperial Healthcare NHS Trust, London Every patient - and every patient's supporters, be they relative, partner or friend - will find help from this book . . . By giving a structure to feelings that you might otherwise only be dimly aware of, or not at all until too late, it informs and guides the reader through the complex geography of appointments, illness, treatment and recovery . . . As a succinct guide to the journey through illness, it has the makings of a classic. - Professor Justin P Cobb, Chair, Section of Orthopaedic, Imperial College London This is a really timely book. It puts together much if what I have gleaned over the years and try to tell my patients in a rush in 8 minutes! . . . A great resource to dip in and out of as you come across different hurdles in convalescence - Rosie Haining, Edinburgh GP I would recommend this book to anybody with a long-term condition and their families, as it shows it is possible to put quality back into life after a diagnosis - Dr Barbara Conway, British Heart Foundation Cardiovascular Specialist Nurse, Doctor of Nursing, County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust For doctor and patient alike, those familiar with serious illness recognise that the associated mental struggle, stress and uncertainty are at least as great a challenge as the physical illness and its aftermath.How to Feel Better is a detailed, practical guide that understands these problems and provides practical evidence-based solutions . . . This is an important, well-balanced and serious contribution that will provide the interested patient, carer and professional with new perspectives, tips and insights - Robin P Choudhury DM FRCP, Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Oxford & Consultant Cardiologist, Oxford Heart Centre