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Communicating with others when you have an MPD It’s happened to all of us: We explain our MPD to family and friends and get a blank, confused look in response. Many people in our lives are unfamiliar with MPDs. Try these techniques for easier communication: Stay calm You communicate best when you speak with a calm, even voice. Try to avoid sounding defensive if at all possible. Explain concepts Be prepared to explain concepts that have become familiar to you. Your listener may not know what a platelet is or how blood cells are made in our bodies. Use simple language and avoid medical jargon. Offer a comparison Compare your symptoms to things your listener can readily understand: the fatigue that comes with the flu, headaches from migraines or itchy skin from chicken pox. Talk about your ups and downs Others usually see you when you’re feeling your best (when you go out or go to work), not when you need to stay home to rest. Let others know that your symptoms can vary significantly from day to day. Set limits Clarify that you may need to take time for hospital appointments, to rest and to deal with symptoms. Let your friends and family know that you value their understanding and support. Build in flexibility Talk with friends and family about your need to stay flexible. Alert them that you may need to cancel plans at the last minute if you’re feeling unwell. Let them ask questions Some people in your life may want to understand more. Let them know that it’s OK to ask questions. MPDs are rare diseases, so it's not surprising if others feel confused. Good communication will give them greater insight and empathy for your experiences.
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