How to Deal With Chronic Illness
Chronic illness is hard, and it can be even harder when you’re on your own. If you don’t have people around you that can help you when you need it, you may find yourself feeling alone and helpless. Here are some thoughts to help you in your journey to wellness.
1. Know That You Are Worthy Of You Doing Everything You Can To Get Better. In moments like these, self-worth is absolutely necessary. Self-worth isn’t something that has anything to do with if anybody loves or cares about you. It’s about you loving and caring about yourself no matter what. More than ever, now is the time to have that attitude. When you become your own support, you are able to count on yourself when you need it most.
2. Take it a day at a time. If you are experiencing pain or other serious symptoms, facing the day can be harder than most people can imagine, so just take it a step at a time. On some days, there will only be so much that you can do and that’s ok.
3. Especially if you don’t have a good support system in place, it’s a good idea to find a community that you can get involved in. It could be a support group, church, a book club or even an online group. New friends that listen and give valuable input when needed can be a welcome positive, because they’re people that you can talk, relate and connect to. Did you notice that I mentioned online groups. That’s because they can be a great source for friendship and support regardless of location and can also give you a sense of belonging.
4. Read about others’ experiences so you can find someone to relate to. Online publications and good old-fashioned books can give you refreshing new perspectives from others who have experienced chronic illness. Relating to these people may help you.
5. Find a hobby that you can engage in even during flare-ups. Whether it’s an old hobby or a new one, you will want one to keep yourself busy when you feel “stuck”. Keeping yourself motivated and focused can be a light when you most need it.
It can be difficult to be alone when you have chronic illness, but you can always find support when you look in the right places. Most importantly, you can be your own support. With the right amount of self-love and self-care, you can take on anything.
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