The doctor's words echo. You want to run away, you want to cry, you want to scream, you just want it all to go away. You want everything to be OK. The doctor's words seem to echo because the doctor has just told you that you are facing a medical crisis. Perhaps you've been told you have cancer, need an organ transplant or perhaps the prognosis doesn't directly involve you but perhaps it involves a loved one.

While you may feel out of control, take comfort in knowing that you do have control over something. You have control over your attitude. Attitude can be a positive coping tool that is sometimes overlooked.

In keeping a positive attitude for yourself or for your loved one you are keeping focus on what is important and that is the time that you have on this earth. Sometimes those who lose site of anything positive become so miserable and begin having thoughts that bring on depression and therefore are not able to accurately take care of themself physically.

Here are two potential outcomes of having a positive attitude when facing a medical crisis:

1. You look for any physical improvement in the person who is ill. When faced with a medical crisis it is important to accurately relay every aspect of your health to your doctor. By keeping a positive attitude and therefore better able to spot the positive changes in your health you may actually be able to give the doctor a better overall look at your health. He may be able to determine what is making you have "good days" or "bad days."

2. You keep your sanity. If you constantly dwell on the negativity of your medical situation you will make yourself miserable. You will find yourself being mad at those you love, those around you, and you even become people that even have the audacity to look at you at the grocery store! In other words, you become mad at the world! More than any other time, this medical crisis should make you want to lean on those around you, not push them away. Believe me it helps to have support.

Keeping a positive attitude is vital when facing a medical situation. That is not to say it is easy. As a matter of fact, it seems impossible after that dreadful doctor visit, but keep in mind that it is possible to keep your chin up and smile.