Coping with a Chronic Illness: 5 Quick Tips to develop resilience
Being diagnosed with a chronic illness can come as a shock. Everyone copes with a diagnosis differently. Some people are proactive in their health and want to seek out treatment and services, while others may be still in a state of unbelief and shock. Some people are not in a position where they can afford treatment, services, adequate care, and support. There are so many factors that affect an individual's ability to be resilient. I will provide 5 Quick Tips on how you can develop resilience while living with a chronic illness.
Now, let's discuss some quick tips that will keep you encouraged and motivated to keep going.
Tip #1 - You are not alone
Illness is not fun and depending on what type of condition you have it can very well affect your emotions and mental health. Know that you are not alone, and others are dealing with an illness too. It is okay to have a grieving period; anxiety, sadness, inadequate sleep, loneliness, etc. These emotions and feelings are normal and not out of the ordinary. But, staying in your grieving period for too long may hinder your healing and the ability to move forward with your life. There are always resources available. Talk with a trusted family member, friend, pastor, or seek professional therapy services.
Tip #2 - Establish Care with a Healthcare Team
Continuity of care is essential for staying as stable and healthy as possible. Maintaining regular exercise and a balanced diet can assist with your overall health. It's important to have a healthcare provider and specialist managing your care. Attend appointments regularly and try to be as compliant as you can. I encourage you to journal ongoing and new symptoms and share them at your next visit. Keeping a record of your symptoms will help your healthcare provider with treatment. Don't forget to use your healthcare team as a resource. They can inform you about services, programs, and support groups.
Tip #3 - Get a Group of Support
A team of family, friends, and groups will be helpful in coping with an illness. Your support team has an up close and personal view of your struggles and victories. I struggled with connecting with the Multiple Sclerosis Community at first because I had difficulty accepting my diagnosis, but I'm so glad that I did. I had an opportunity to meet other young people with Multiple Sclerosis and connect with resources in the MS Community, such as education, conferences, and charity walks.
"Find the courage to believe in yourself. " – Oprah Winfrey
Tip #4 - Focus on Self-Care
Establishing self-care is very important in your health journey. Taking a walk, exercising, reading, listening to calm or relaxing music, meditating, taking a nice shower or bath, attending a show or event, etc., are ways to improve your health. Avoid negative coping mechanism. Focus on helping your mind and body decrease tension, stress, and anxiety. Choose your own self-care routine.
Tip #5 - Share Your Story
"Lastly, share your story with people because it is a part of your healing process." Sharing your health challenges can shine a light on health conditions and help inspire and encourage people living with or without health challenges. I was significantly impacted by hearing the stories of other young people living with MS, and I felt empowered to move forward with my life. You never know who's lives you will impact, so share your story and be a light! To hear more of my struggles with coping with Multiple Sclerosis and how I became resilient, click on the title Coping with Multiple Sclerosis| Conversations with Mother & daughter| Walk MS| Move Forward Your Way above or on the image above.
Be Encouraged, My Friend
Take one day at a time and know that you are not alone. Where there is a will, there is a way! Establish a healthcare team and support team that will help you in your health journey and take time for self-care. When you are ready to share your story, somebody is waiting to hear it. If this blog post was helpful to you, please feel free to leave a comment.
Take Care,
Sierra
