Transition in Chronic Illness - Understanding Transition

• Describe the context of what is happening:What are your thoughts?How long have you been mulling over this?ThinkingWhen thinking, we aim to clarify meaning and increase our understanding of the why, when, what,where, how… of our experiences. Describe the issues and think about what we need to do with/about them. We can ask ourselves questions like:• What’s the main issue?• Why is this happening?• What was the trigger or cause?• What are the consequences?• How have you been behaving? (eg is it usual for you to respond in anger in this situation?)• Which area/s can you act upon?• How might the action look?• When should you begin- what order…?• How should you do it?• What are your strengths?Try writing down the answers to these questions. This may bring clarity for you and give you someresponses that you can consider over time.ActioningThinking about change does not effect change. We can spend a lot of time thinking about what wewould like to change but never take a step toward making change happen. Actioning requires thatwe become involved with our current situation and choose actions that take us toward our chosengoals. Often there is little choice about the need to change, and so our choice is about how we willchange. A good place to start is to think about what could/should be done differently to get thedesired outcome. Then we can begin to action the smallest and most easily managed act that wouldhave the most benefit to our wellbeing.• What area/s do you want to act on first?• What is most important to you right now?• What is most achievable thing you can act on right now?• What’s the likely outcome of the action?• What will help you to achieve the goal?• Which people can help?• Where can you find support if needed?18Transition in Chronic Illness | Booklet 11 | Understanding Transition