The Cognitive Connection: Managing Thoughts, Feelings, and Behavior

Our thoughts, feelings, and behavior in response to a situation like a diagnosis with MDS are connected and impact our well-being as well as response to the situation. While feelings like anger, grief, shock, and hopelessness are expected, and negative thoughts may impact us during our journey, it is important to understand the cognitive connection and its impact on our coping. We need to invite thoughts of hope and positive meaning to tackle the situation to our best of our ability. 

In the box below, write about a thought you have been having in response to your MDS diagnosis or journey. How does this thought impact your feelings and behavior? Next, think about an alternative thought and reflect on how it can help change your feelings and behavior.