8 Tips for Coping With Chronic Illness

According to the Centers for Disease Control, six out of 10 adults in the United States have a chronic disease. Four out of 10 adults have two or more chronic diseases.  So, if you don’t have a chronic disease, chances are you know someone who does or you will develop one in the future.  

  
What is a Chronic Disease?

A chronic disease is a condition that is long-lasting or it comes on slowly with time.  When using the term chronic, it usually means longer than 3 months. Examples of chronic diseases are diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cancer, hepatitis C, arthritis, autoimmune diseases, myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome, and fibromyalgia – just to name a few. There are many more. I am not trying to exclude anyone. 

These diseases may get better or worse over time. 

8 Tips for Coping With a Chronic Disease

Those with a chronic disease are often overwhelmed with the diagnosis and the disruption it causes in their life. Here are a few helpful tips to consider if you or a loved one are diagnosed with such a condition.

1. Ask for Information:   Before leaving the doctor's office, ask your healthcare provider for resources.  These may include trusted websites and printed literature. Do not hesitate to contact your healthcare provider after your appointment to get further questions answered.  

2.     2. Online Support Groups: There are many online support groups at your fingertips.  This is especially good news for those whose disease limits their mobility.  

      Support groups can be found on Facebook and all of the ones I have been on were “private.”  This means your posts will only show to those in the group.  There is also Mayo Clinic Connect.  You do not have to be a patient at Mayo to join.  It is open to anyone.  

      The good news is you live in the 21^st century and technology can be your friend.  The bad news is you live in the 21^st century and technology can be your foe!  You cannot believe everything you read online (except for my blog of course! 😉) While engaging in online support groups, I came across information that was not true. There is also a lot of negativity.  Sift that out and focus on the positive.

      I learned a lot being in online support groups. I came across the amazing doctor who is treating me now. However, there came a time when I had to disengage from those groups as I was on the road to recovery.

3.      3. In-Person Support Groups:  Check out your local hospital website for support groups that meet in your area.  Many have groups for Alzheimer’s, cancer, diabetes, and more. Other ways to find local support groups is to do an online search and ask your healthcare provider.  There is power in knowing you are not alone in your journey!

4.      4. It’s Okay to Grieve:  Many diseases take away more than your health.  I know first-hand how chronic disease can take away your social life, career, finances, hobbies, and ability to care for yourself.  I have been there.  

      Grieving is normal and sometimes you need to get it out in order to move on.  Talking with a trusted friend and journaling are a few ways to purge yourself of the anger and loss you feel.  Of course, talk with your healthcare provider or a professional counselor if these feelings are unmanageable or beyond what you can handle.

  

5.      5. LIVE!:  Yes, it sounds obvious, but don’t forget to live a little!  A chronic condition can be overwhelming and consume a lot of your time and thoughts, but don’t let it completely consume you. 

      Do something fun!  It seems some diseases can take away fun when you are literally left physically unable.  If that’s the case, find something simple.  Google some funny videos.  When I had no energy to go out (or even stand up long enough to get ready to go somewhere), I would look forward to Saturday date night with my husband -- laying on the couch, eating our favorite snacks, and watching a fun show while still in my pajamas from the night before. 😄

6.      6. Accept Help:  If you are offered help, accept it.  I’m going to go out on a limb and say that people who offer help really want to help!  Take them up on it.  It’s a win-win.  You get something knocked off your to-do list and they feel better for helping you.

7.     7.  Keep a Gratitude Journal:  It doesn’t have to be elaborate.  Just grab a notebook and pen or your computer.  Write down what you are grateful for. It may be as simple as the sun is shining or that you were grateful for the bluebird outside your window. Also include accomplishments.  Maybe you have diabetes and you resisted the urge to overindulge in carbs.  That’s an accomplishment!  Or maybe you didn’t have such a great day.  That happens to all of us.  If so, then write what you learned or the fact that you pressed on despite the disappointing day.  Attempt to make this a daily practice.

8.      8. Don’t Take Things Personally:  You will get lots of advice from people -- even those who don’t understand or know anything about your illness. They may say the dandiest things like, “It must be nice that you aren’t working,” or “Well at least you don’t have what I have,” or “I knew someone who had that and she never recovered.”  

      Again, sift through it.  Some folks will be negative.  If you don’t want to hear it, change the subject.  Most people are trying to be helpful.  Don’t feel like you have to explain your illness to everyone.  Not everyone will understand and nor do they have to.  Over time, you will do better with handling these situations.

If you have more tips or a comment, please share below.

Remember: It's your body, your health, your life.  YOU are your best advocate!

Best in Wellness,

Marianne  😊

  Share your comments below or contact me directly at  mrbush1990@gmail.com



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"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer." (Romans 12:12)

Disclaimer:  This blog is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.  It does not replace the medical advice of a physician.  The readers should regularly consult with their primary care practitioner in matters relating to health, disease, any symptoms, medications, and supplements. The information on this site is for educational purposes only. It is recommended you speak with your primary care provider before making any changes regarding your health.