Chronic health challenges
Holding on to hope in the midst of health challenges
A Focus Series
According to recent statistics, 44 per cent of adults in Canada aged 20-plus have at least 1 of 10 common chronic conditions, such as hypertension, osteoarthritis or osteoporosis. And an estimated 7.6 million – or one in five – people live with chronic pain, which is defined as any pain that lasts longer than three months.
Perhaps you are someone who deals with a chronic health challenge. Or you know of a parent, child, spouse, friend or neighbour who deals with this. Or maybe someone very close to you carries this burden every day and you have no idea. The following articles, broadcasts and resources will help you understand what you can do to help others, how you can navigate this challenge yourself, and why we need to hold on to God in these difficult seasons.
If chronic illness is part of your story or the story of your family, please reach out. Whether the illness is mental or physical, the first and greatest step you can take is asking for help. And if you are struggling with how to care well for a friend or family member, you’ll need help too. Our care team is ready to pray with you, offer a free one-time phone counselling consultation, or direct you to relevant resources to equip you on this long road. Call us at 1.888.937.8084, email [email protected] or visit FocusOnTheFamily.ca/Help.
Chronic health and faith
Books:
Coping With Chronic Illness by H. Norman Wright and Lynn Ellis
One More Step by Rachel Wojo
Chronic health and marriage
Book:
In Sickness and In Health by Dr. David Hawkins
Chronic health and parenting
Books:
Hope for Families of Children With Cancer by Lynda T. Young and chaplain Johnnathan Ward
Why Does God Let Bad Things Happen? by Chris Morphew
God Made Me Unique: Helping Children See Value in Every Person by Joni and Friends
Who Do You See When You Look at Me? by Angela Ray Rodgers with Grace Anna
What Do I Do with Worry? by Dr. Josh and Christi Straub
Helping others
We also recognize that chronic health concerns go beyond the physical and can impact our mental health. To download free PDF booklets on anxiety, depression, stress and burnout, and more, visit FocusOnTheFamily.ca/PDFBooklets.