Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) psychological impact

It is common for people to feel angry that they have been diagnosed with a serious illness. For a number of reasons it can feel confusing, unfair, or that it is outside of their control – for example if the illness is rare, if they believe that they have a healthy lifestyle, if there’s no history of similar illnesses in their family, or if they believe that they have already had too many problems in life to cope with. Sometimes it can be difficult to know what to do with feelings of anger or to understand at what the anger is directed. As a result anger can sometimes get directed at loved ones, or even towards oneself.

Coping strategies:

• Although a sense of disbelief or injustice at being diagnosed with MDS is valid (and common), dwelling on the thoughts behind it tends to make the anger worse. Talk things through with others.
• Write down some of your thoughts and notice those that keep the anger going; try to change them or distance yourself from thoughts about things that have no explanation or you can’t change.
• Use relaxation techniques, or exercise, for managing the physiological symptoms of anger (similar to those in anxiety, and also driven by adrenaline).
• ‘Venting’ anger at others tends to be self-defeating because it alienates people, rather than eliciting feelings of compassion from them.
• Self-soothe. Treat yourself to things you enjoy; treat yourself with compassion.