Lifestyle Seminar, here today.

[isnotimportant.livejournal.com]

Professor Slartibartfast isn't happy.

Lifestyle seminar starting now.

I want to know why only one of you produced an essay for this week. Make it good. I haven't handed out any detentions yet, but there is yet time.

And then tell me about illness, frailty and disability ... and the difference they make to lifestyle.

OOC -- Mun off to bed. Carry on, I'll pick up threads in the morning.

Comments

[http://users.livejournal.com/___lily_evans_/]

"I hope so, too, sir. Illness and disability can have a profound effect, not only on the lifestyle of the afflicted, but also on the lifestyle of that person's family and friends. Extreme or prolonged illnesses can put people out of work, inhibit their ability to get around, put a strain on relationships, and generally cause problems all around. Family and friends often take on extra responsibility in order to keep things running smoothly, which adds stress, not to mention the possibility or resentment and hurt feelings."

[isnotimportant.livejournal.com]

So do you think that the strain and stress makes more difference than the disability itself? And do you think that the impact on family and friends is greater than that on the ... umm ... "afflicted"?

[http://users.livejournal.com/___lily_evans_/]

"Yes, in many cases I do think the strain and stress are harder to deal with than the disability itself. Especially for illnesses that come with no warning, it is always difficult to deal with major life changes. For long-term problems, "helping out" can often become a feeling of "obligation" which can break the best of relationships. Guilt can also create problems - family and friends who want to take some time off from "helping" can feel guilty because they are not the ones afflicted and they should want to help those less fortunate. I'm not sure it's a greater impact on either party - they seem fairly equal, though very different."

[isnotimportant.livejournal.com]

It's interesting comparing your talk of obligation and Miss Matthews' talk of being used ... Week eight is going to be fascinating. Do you not think there can be great rewards in being a carer?

[http://users.livejournal.com/___lily_evans_/]

"Oh there absolutely can be great rewards in being a carer! In fact, it's a career option I've considered more than once, but there's a major difference between those who choose to take that path and those who are forced to shoulder the burden unexpectedly and without the option of turning it away."

[isnotimportant.livejournal.com]

And yet this "obligation" that you're "forced to shoulder" is surely still a matter of choice... I'm sorry, I'm straying into week 8 territory again. Caring as a career is quite different, I'm sure.

OOC -- Mun off to bed soon.