When I used to see a counselor, he would always bring my personality. He encourages me to use the strengths of my personality to help me cope with the difficulties of life. Recently, I began to wonder if someone could also use those strengths to help them fight mesothelioma.
I checked with Monte Drenner, a licensed mental health counselor in Orlando, and he said the forces of personality can indeed help you fight cancer.
"that many people do not realize is that one of their greatest strengths to deal with cancer is in, and that is their personal strengths," he said. "It is difficult for many people to realize this fact when they have cancer because they focus on disease rather than the skills they have that makes them successful."
Four types of personality
There are dozens of personality tests out there, but the one I am most familiar is the test four temperaments. This test describes four distinct personality types:
- Blood
- Choleric
- Melancholy
- Phlegmatic
De many years ago, I read a book on these types of personality - "personality plus" by Florence Littauer -. and I recently attended a retreat with a few women in my church, where we also studied the temperaments I learned that each person usually falls into two personality types, one being dominant over the other.
I sat with Drenner to get a better understanding of how a study of personality could help someone with mesothelioma.
"the strengths can be difficult to identify, but understanding your temperament can be useful," he said. "temperament in psychology is that part of you that is" cable ". In other words, you were born this way, and the forces that come with each temperament are innate. They go with you wherever you are, as a hospital, for example, and with all that you do, such as the fight against cancer "
Playful Blood :. The Talker
Sanguines are outgoing and make friends easily. They are optimistic, creative and have a positive outlook on life. These features of the key benefits of getting through cancer treatment.
"mental attitude of a individual against any cancer is crucial for the result, "said Drenner." I advise people to "expect the best but prepare for the worst."
"Sanguines can use their creativity to develop mental images of the body fighting against cancer cells I work with several clients fight against cancer that have used this imagery successfully.. "
Powerful Choleric: the worker
" angry are known for be focused and determined, "said Drenner
These are natural born leaders who have a strong work ethic and great in emergencies, such as unexpected diagnosis of cancer. They are organized and decisive.
"When you work with people with this temperament, I challenge them to have" focused determination "on the target, greatly increasing the chances of success," said Drenner.
Tenacious melancholy: The Thinker
people with a melancholy personality tend to be perfectionists with high standards They are sensitive, thoughtful and dedicated
"Melancholies are empathetic thinkers and.. great, "said Drenner. "When someone is struggling with all challenges, even cancer, it is amazing how helping others can help themselves."
"Show empathy for others, even if sick, can help the healing process. The ability to understand and treat the disease gives them the means to fight "
Peaceful Phlegmatic: The Watcher
" .. Phlegmatics are well balanced and easy emotionally, "said Drenner
they are patient, nice and are good listeners.
"what many people do not realize when fight against cancer is that they put a lot of stress on themselves" to get better, "said Drenner. "This temperament does not, which helps the healing process, and they avoid the ups and downs of having cancer."
Identify your strengths
I had to face many difficulties in my life, but nothing even close to mesothelioma. By focusing on my strengths of personality - I am a mixture of melancholy and angry - I am able to overcome. And if you can.
"The fight against cancer is one of the biggest challenges anyone will face" Drenner said. "To win this battle, the individual will need to use all the resources at their disposal, to include a team of doctors, medicines, support groups, among others.
" Take online assessment will help you identify the strengths of your particular temperament and how these forces can help you fight your battle with mesothelioma. "
Monte Drenner has over 24 years of consulting experience helping families, couples and individuals. His counseling practice is based in Orlando, but it also offers advice by telephone or Skype.
