David Gusick, Founder of Somebody To Talk To, discusses mental health in patients with rare diseases.
Somebody To Talk To focuses on providing mental health resources and support for patients, especially those with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Through group sessions run by professionals, patients with rare diseases are able to discuss difficult topics such as grief, daily challenges, and participating in clinical trials. Each session is tailored to the individuals and their unique disease and challenges. As Mr. Gusick explains, periods of change in one’s life can cause mental health struggles. Emphasis on proactive care, as opposed to reactive, can have profound benefits on the lives of these patients.
Mr. Gusick also describes factors he has witnessed that give patients and their families the opportunity to better cope with a rare disease diagnosis. These three factors include: (1) access to money, (2) a strong family unit or support system, and (3) a resilient and optimistic attitude.
To learn more about Somebody To Talk To and their services, visit https://somebodytotalkto.com/
To learn more about rare diseases, visit https://checkrare.com/
