No one gets out of this world alive, and few people come through life without at least one serious illness. (31) {{U}}If we are given a serious diagnosis, it is useful to try to remain free of panic and depression.{{/U}} Panic can constrict blood vessels and impose an additional burden on the heart. (32) {{U}}Depression, as medical researchers way back to Galen, that ancient Greek doctor, have observed, can set the stage for other illnesses or intensify existing ones.{{/U}} It is no surprise that so many patients who learn that they have cancer or heart disease or any other catastrophic disease become worse at the time of diagnosis. (33) {{U}}The moment they have a label to attach to their symptoms, the illness deepens.{{/U}} All the terrible things they have heard about disease produce the kind of despair that in turn complicates the underlying condition. (34) {{U}}It is not unnatural to be severely apprehensive about a serious diagnosis, but a reasonable confidence is justified.{{/U}} Cancer today, for example, is largely a treatable disease. A heavily damaged heart can be reconditioned. (35) {{U}}Even a positive HIV diagnosis does not necessarily mean that the illness will move into the active stage.{{/U}}