The Cognitive Connection: Managing Thoughts, Feelings, and Behavior as a Caregiver

Our thoughts, feelings, and behavior in response to a situation like a loved one's diagnosis with MDS are connected and impact our well-being as well as response to the situation. While feelings like grief, shock, hopelessness and uncertainty are common and expected, 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 while taking care of ourselves as caregivers for our loved ones.

In the box below, write about a thought you have been having in response to your loved one's 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 you cope.