The diagnosis of a major illness can present an enormous challenge to family relationships. During periods of grief, potential loss and stress we tend to become exaggerated versions of ourselves. The talker will talk more, the shy person will withdraw more… all the unique personalities in the family and their differences will seem magnified. Most of us have ways we cope with everyday stress: a glass of wine to unwind at night, a cigarette at lunch to help us through the day. When stress levels increase dramatically due to major illness in the family, it can be natural for family … Continue reading Major illness in the family