Normally, people think of illness as something short-term and curable. But then, with the right medication, some illnesses don’t clear up. Did you know that half of adult Americans have at least one chronic condition? Surprising, right? The news that you have a chronic condition can be frightening, confusing, and shocking. Your daily routine changes, and you have to get used to the ‘new normal.‘ Learning to cope with the daily stresses of living with a chronic condition isn’t easy, but it’s possible. Here are tips to help you live well with a chronic condition.
Topics Covered
Learn and understand your chronic condition
Living with a chronic illness isn’t easy, but knowing more about the illness can help you manage it well and work toward acceptance. To learn more about your condition:
- Talk to your primary healthcare provider. Present a list of questions you may have about the illness. They will provide you with information about living with the illness. Ask them about reliable websites where you learn more; not all information you find online is reliable.
- Talk to people with the same illness. Join a social network, a support group, or a national organization.
The more you learn about your chronic condition, the more ‘normal’ and in control you’ll start to feel.
Learn how to cope with new emotions
While learning about your condition, there’s a high chance that your feelings may change. The initial shock, confusion, and stress you’ve experienced may turn into depression, sadness, or anger. Luckily, there are various ways to manage such feelings:
- Get outside or to the gym and exercise.
- Try meditation.
- Spend time with your loved ones.
- Listen to music or play an instrument.
- Record daily happenings in a personal diary.
- Watch a movie.
- Read a book.
- Assess your feelings daily.
Be involved in your treatment
Find out the available treatment options and create a relationship with your primary care providers. Be actively involved in your treatment. Ask questions and express concerns, preferences, and opinions. It’s vital that you stick with the same primary care providers to walk through the journey. Visit this location at the Integrated Health Center for exceptional primary health care.
Your condition should be a catalyst for personal growth
One major mistake you can make when dealing with a chronic illness is to deal with it in an ineffective manner. You see, so many people choose to be resentful about their condition. But then, there are better ways to deal with a chronic illness than feeling sorry for yourself. Don’t focus on what you can’t do. Instead, find opportunities for personal growth.
- Accept the ‘new normal’ and new limitations.
- Practice positive thinking and find gratitude.
- Give back to others; for instance, donating your time or talent.
- Take an art class.
- Join a softball league.
- Learn to play your favorite instrument.
While living with a chronic illness isn’t easy, it’s manageable. Create a relationship with your primary health care providers, live positively, and you’ll live a happy ‘normal’ life.
