Improving the Quality
of Your Life With Counseling
Audio Version
Having a healthy quality of life is important at any age. One might argue that it is even more important as we age. You have worked hard all your life, you deserve to enjoy your life and feel that you can continue to do so for many years to come. The quality of your life can be impacted by many things, our health is a large determining factor. If your Health Related Quality of Life is beginning to decline due to physical or mental health challenges, you’re not alone. Counseling can help.
Health Related Quality of Life (HRQL): What is it?
Health-related quality of life or HRQOL “is an accepted outcome measure in patients with mood and anxiety disorders,” says Straten et al. (2006). According to the CDC, “it is an individual’s or a group’s perceived physical and emotional health over time.” Among seniors, serious medical conditions are common causes for poor HRQOL. If you have a low HRQOL score, it can impact not only the quality of your life, but also your abilities to seek out help, engage with health providers and caregivers and find remission from symptoms.
The study done by Rolke et. Al. (2008) supports this generalization, revealing that newly diagnosed lung cancer patients have poorer HRQOL scores and a higher burden of illness. This, or any serious medical problem, can leave you more susceptible to behavioral health conditions such as depression and anxiety. Also, considering the “… reciprocal relationship between medical and mood conditions,” your physical health could be just as compromised.
While the quality of your life can be impacted by your physical and mental health, it isn’t set in stone. You can improve your mental and physical health and you can improve your quality of life. Therapy can help.
Depression and Anxiety Aren’t Inevitable
Depression and anxiety are the most common mood issues that affect seniors. Both can lower the quality of your life as they impact your physical and emotional functioning. While these symptoms can be overwhelming, they are treatable.
Research has continued to evolve regarding treatment and how to find remission from these symptoms. Finding a therapist that is right for you can make a world of difference. You can process how you are feeling and find effective treatment approaches to address your symptoms.
Carolina Counseling Services – Pittsboro, NC makes it easy to find the counselor that is right for you. Call today and our kind, caring Scheduling Team can help you find your new therapist. Online counseling and in person sessions are available!