COPING WITH CHRONIC ILLNESS

Coping with Chronic Illness

Chronic illness is going to be unique to each individual, but one thing we can often find common ground on is that chronic illness includes ups and downs. It is imperative to balance your physical and mental health by creating coping strategies that are manageable to you. Coping strategies help us reduce daily stress symptoms, promote a point of control and purpose, and improve our mood, as we know, living with a chronic illness can simply be overwhelming.

So how can we strive to improve our quality of life and cope with chronic illness? The journey will look different for all of us but here are some tips to consider:

1. Mindfulness Practices: promotes reduction of stress and anxiety, keeps us grounded to the here and now, and promotes a sense of calmness, mental clarity, and improves emotional regulation. I know that chronic illness can leave you feeling very little control at times, so practicing mindfulness in our daily routine promotes structured dedicated time for you to be in control and to work on your wellbeing.

2. Establish a Routine: Having a routine is so important! Chronic illness brings on so much uncertainty so the more we can do on a daily basis to promote structure and predictability, the more success we will have with management of our mood and overall wellbeing.

3. Physical Enrichment: This needs to be tailored to your unique needs and abilities, but everyone can do something! The best way to get through something negative is by moving towards something positive and purposeful. Whether it’s swimming, gentle stretches, walking, chair exercises, or yoga, moving your body can boost your mood, energy, and reduce undesirable symptoms.

4. Reach Out: You are not in this alone. Feeling isolated and avoidant are common barriers we face with chronic illness. Aim to connect with others who have similar experiences, or simply others that you trust and can obtain emotional support from. Online forums are another avenue you can explore, an sometimes can be much more specific for the needs you are hoping to obtain support with. We want to obtain support, feel a sense of community, and receive encouragement. Remember to keep your boundaries and only share what you are comfortable disclosing!

5. Creative Expression: That’s right–get creative! Being creative is such a great way to express your emotions. This could be writing, painting, music, or your favorite craft. This will encourage a sense of control, freeform, reduce stress, strengthen your sense of accomplishment, and hopefully simply be fun during the process!

6. Advocate. You will always know yourself best. Stay connected with your emotions, body, stress and education relating to your condition. Understanding yourself and your condition will promote informed decision making, confidence with advocating for your needs, improved confidence with asking some of those hard questions with healthcare providers and improve your self-management. You are the leader of your care!

Coping with chronic illness is an ongoing journey, with ups and downs. Focus on what you have control over and seek to improve and maintain a better balance and quality of life as you continue on your journey to healing. Remember, help is out there. Seek professional support when needed!