The latest news for you from Dr. Gary McClain

Just Got Diagnosed

August 2022

Welcome!

We live in very angry times. Some days if feels like I run into angry people everywhere I turn. But I wonder if all that anger isn't covering up other feelings below the surface. I hope you'll take a look at my lead article this month.

Recent Events

I had an amazing weekend in Pennsylvania with families living with bleeding disorders, sponsored by my good friends at Comprehensive Health Education Services. I had the opportunity to serve as a mental health resource.

I recently spoke at a couples retreat sponsored by the Louisiana Hemophilia Foundation. I spoke on Communication for Couples. An excellent weekend in New Orleans with great people.

I also have some great news. I am working on a book that will published during the spring of 2024. The title of my book is "The Power of Closure: Why We Want It, How to Get It, and When To Walk Away." My book will be published by Tarcher Perigee, which is part of Penguin Random House. Yes, I am hard at work!

My website, JustGotDiagnosed.com is filled with advice, inspiration, and information.

I can help you with...

My counseling and education program for newly-diagnosed as well as experienced patients, Prepared for the Road Ahead ®, is organized around emotions, Chronic Communication (sm) (relationships), embracing change, communicating with healthcare professionals, staying informed, making treatment decisions, self-image, and planning for the future.

Click here to learn more about me

I continue my association with HIV Plus Magazine, hivplusmag.com and Coping with Cancer.

Angry? Or Is there Something Else Going On?

You’ve been here before. A loved one, a healthcare professional, a friend, even a stranger, says something, does something, looks at you a certain way… BAM! You’re off to the races. Wow, are you ever angry! Your anger might take the form of blowing up, or walking away, or sitting and seething.

Your anger got set off that quickly. You might be asking yourself how that happened? Chances are, anyone who witnessed your anger may have had the same question.

My clients who are living with a chronic condition often talk to me about their day-to-day challenges. They describe the side-effects of their treatment regimen. Having to follow diets or make other unwanted changes in their routines. Finances and other potential stressors at home. Along with uncertainty and loss of control over their lives. They describe the range of feelings they experience as a result. Sadness. Fear. Frustration.

And yes! Anger!

You are not alone. Let me help you get prepared for the road ahead!

Pay Attention!

Mental health crisis line 988 is now available!

My colleagues in the mental health professions have often lamented the lack of emergency mental health assistance available to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. We have had to rely on services available through 911 which, while able to respond to an emergency, are not trained mental health professionals and therefore not able to provide the level of response needed in these situations. When someone with a mental emergency does not get the care they need, this greatly increases the risk.

I am happy to say that mental health care in the US has just taken a major step forward. Are you aware of the new 988 mental help emergency number?

This past July 16, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Line became available nationwide. 988, which replaces the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, is a major step forward in providing much needed emergency mental health support.

Learn more about 988!

Also, my website of the month:

Familydoctor.org is the American Academy of Family Physician’s award-winning consumer website, featuring physician-reviewed patient education materials. This is a great site!

Check out familydoctor.org!

Gary R. McClain, PhD JustGotDiagnosed.com