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With all the challenges you face with an acoustic neuroma, it would not be surprising if you feel anxious, depressed, or at least overwhelmed and confused.

If you were recently diagnosed, you may be feeling shock, disbelief, anger, and somewhat uncertain about what to do next.

If you are in the stage of having to decide what to do, you may be sorting out all the options, and the possible good and bad outcomes of each. You may be confused by conflicting recommendations from different doctors.

If you have been treated, you may be struggling to cope with balance problems, one sided hearing loss, tinnitus, and maybe even facial paralysis, with the resulting dry eye and risk of corneal injury. You may be struggling in your relationships, feeling resentful of those who "were not there for you" during your ordeal.

Of course, these categories are not clear cut. Some of the "post treatment" effects might also be some of the symptoms which led to your diagnosis.

The following tips are being offered to help you cope emotionally with your ordeal. The examples given are related to specific situations. Try to apply any and all of them to any and all of the challenges you are facing with acoustic neuroma.

These tips are not meant to replace any medical advice or treatment. Hopefully they will help you get a handle on what has happened, so you can move forward in your journey with more peace and clarity.

1. Fact Finding: You need to get information from reliable sources. Often, just hearing that you have a brain tumor, can send your imagination into overdrive, stirring up worst case scenarios which are not founded in reality. Much of your fear can be dispelled by facts.

2. Reach out for Support: Do not go through this alone. Give your family, friends, and maybe even your coworkers, the opportunity to lend support. Look up the Acoustic Neuroma Association, where you will find others in the same boat. They have online discussion forums and some local meetings.

3. Try a more Optimistic Perspective: In cognitive behavioral therapist lingo, this is called Cognitive Reframing. Look at some of the beliefs that keep you feeling down, and see if you can choose more uplifting ones to replace them. "I won't ever be able to dance (or go hiking) again because my balance is so bad." Try this instead: "By following the guidance of my physical therapist, I will soon be enjoying more of life again."

4. Relax: That is easier said than done, right? It is not a matter of "just relax!" It is more a matter of taking up a regular routine of relaxation exercises. There are many to choose from, such as breathing exercises, guided imagery, Tai chi, yoga, or meditation. Some of these can be learned through self help books, or through taking a class. Some can be learned in sessions with a counselor or therapist. Relaxing might even help you with some of your physical challenges in addition to helping you cope. Some people report that a regular relaxation routine lessens their tinnitus.

5.Get Physical: Regular physical exercise can help a lot to lessen stress, build stamina and balance, and increase your ability to cope. You may need to consult with you doctor or physical therapist to determine what level of exercise is right for you. For many people with acoustic neuroma, walking and Tai chi are highly recommended, to improve balance.

6.Use Physical Props: Take advantage of various "crutches" available to lighten your burden, expand your horizons, and make life a little easier. A cane may enable some people to get around in the community rather than stay home. A walking stick may help a hiker get back to the trails. Specialized hearing aids for one sided deafness have helped many people to do their work better. Using a fan as white noise has helped others tune out the constant buzz of tinnitus. An occupational therapist could assess your home situation and recommend other props to help you live more independently.

7.Listen to your Intuition: You will need a way to hear your own inner wisdom, above all the mind chatter. You will probably get plenty of information, and plenty of opinions from doctors, fellow acoustic neuroma survivors, and everyone around you who has an opinion on what you should do. If you feel out of touch with your intuition, get back in touch through practicing some of the relaxation methods. You could also try keeping a journal of your thoughts and feelings, to increase your self knowledge.

8. Communicate your Needs to Others: Expressing your needs can go a long way toward preventing resentment and frustration. One practical example is: "It would be easier for me to hear you if I can walk with you on my right (or left) side." Then they won't wonder why you keep darting about from side to side as your walk takes you in different directions. If you are in a group, try saying, "It would be easier to hear everyone's opinion if we talk one at a time." Chances are, someone else in the group is having trouble hearing too, and will thank you.

9. Get Professional Help if You Need To: If self help and the support of others is not enough, be sure to seek professional help. A consultation with a physical therapist can go a long way toward expanding your physical horizons. And a consultation with a psychotherapist or counselor can go a long way toward helping you expand your emotional and mental horizons.

10.Open Yourself to Unexpected Gifts: Could this thing that happened to you become an opportunity for a positive change in your life? Only you can answer that, and the answer may change over time. A resounding "heck no!" could eventually turn into a grateful "What a wonderful surprise that things turned out this way."

Are you struggling to cope with acoustic neuroma? Are you still reeling from the diagnosis, or trying to make sense of treatment decisions or after effects?

Get updates on my free talks around the Los Angeles area, read helpful articles and blog posts, and stay updated on my upcoming e-book, "Acoustic Neuroma: Coping with Diagnosis Aftershock and Treatment Aftereffects."
Go to my website at http://www.aneuromacope.com

For tips on coping with stress and anxiety, visit my other website at:
http://www.2bstressfree.com

Kate Boswell, MFT is a licensed marriage and family therapist. In her counseling practice, she helps people to live well in the aftermath of a health crisis, and to take charge of anxiety and depression. Her Los Angeles based practice, in Marina del Rey, is near the cities of Playa Vista, Playa del Rey, Venice Beach, Santa Monica, Westchester, Culver City, Del Rey, Inglewood, Manhattan Beach, and Hermosa Beach.

The Acoustic $14.49 The Acoustic

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Children of the Harvest $30.52 Disc 1:Children of the Harvest: Act 1Children of the Harvest: Act 2Children of the Harvest: Act 3Children of the Harvest: Act 4Children of the Harvest: Act 5Children of the Harvest: Act 6Children of the Harvest: Lunchtime BluesChildren of the Harvest: Wayfaring Stranger (acoustic version)Children of the Harvest: One Hundred HatpinsChildren of the Harvest: DialogueChildren of the Harvest: Shenandoah

Acoustic Anthology $36.93 The Guitar Play-Along Series will help you play your favorite songs quickly and easily! Just follow the tab, listen to the CD to hear how the guitar should sound, and then play along using the separate backing tracks. The melody and lyrics are also included in the book in case you want to sing, or to simply help you follow along. The audio CD is playable on any CD player. For PC and Mac computer users, the CD is enhanced so you can adjust the recording to any tempo without changing pitch! A supersized collection of 16 songs: Give a Little Bit * Jack and Diane * The Joker * More Than a Feeling * Rocky Raccoon * Teach Your Children * Time for Me to Fly * Walk on the Wild Side * and more.

Herald ; Size Pink Acoustic Guitar. $29.99 The Herald ; Size Acoustic Guitar comes with a funky pink finish and is ideal for beginners and budding musicians. Whilst its compact size makes it perfect for young children who may struggle with reach on larger designs. Stand out from the crowd and strike an individual chord with this great quality, lightweight and easy to use acoustic guitar. Ideal for beginners.Pink.Linden fretboard for good tonal response.Nylon strings - kinder on beginners' fingers.3/4 size (36in) junior guitar.

Herald ; Size Natural Acoustic Guitar. $29.99 The Herald ; Size Acoustic Guitar comes has a natural finish and is ideal for beginners and budding musicians. Whilst its compact size makes it perfect for young children who may struggle reaching across full sized designs. With its fantastic classic design strike a chord with this great quality, lightweight and easy to use acoustic guitar.Ideal for beginners.Nylon strings - kinder on beginners' fingers.3/4 size (36in) junior guitar.Natural front finish.Plywood fretboard.

Children $9.49 Children

If Children $9.49 If Children

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