How to Cope With Chronic Illness

Being diagnosed with chronic illness can be truly devastating. Your entire life may have to change as a result. Chronic illnesses can affect people in a variety of different ways, altering physical appearance, changing your emotional outlook and requiring lifestyle overhauls. It's completely normal to feel great anger, stress and worry as a result of chronic illness. There are, however, things you can do to maintain a sense of control in your life and cope with chronic illness.

Instructions

• 1

  Talk to your doctor about the implications of your chronic illness. Each illness will have unique symptoms so it's important that you are realistic and aware of what could possibility happen. While your doctor won't be able to give you a finite prediction of your future illness, he will be able to advise you on what could possibly happen in your situation.

• 2

  Plan how you will manage the symptoms of your illness. Your doctor will be able to assist you with this plan. Since many chronic illnesses bring with them pain, it's important that you have a plan for managing it. While symptoms of various illnesses can seem overwhelming, they are much more manageable if you are prepared and informed about them.

• 3

  Talk to your family and friends about your chronic illness. While it can be difficult to do so initially, it's important to open the communication lines on the subject. You will need the help and support of these people in your life so it's wise to make them aware of your condition.

• 4

  Discuss your thoughts and feelings on your chronic illness with those close to you. Your illness will likely bring with it a bevy of various and often conflicting emotions and it's important to discuss these. If you don't have someone with whom you feel comfortable discussing these emotions, consider seeing a therapist. You shouldn't keep your emotions on the issue bottled up.

• 5

  Join a support group. There are various support groups available for those coping with chronic illness. You will get the opportunity to share your experiences and feelings on chronic illness. You will also get to listen and offer your support to others in the group. Chronic illness can sometimes feel very isolating so these groups can be truly invaluable.

• 6

  Pursue normal activities. Your life doesn't have to be put on hold because of your chronic illness. While it will undoubtedly require various lifestyle changes, it's important that you maintain prior activities. If you have always enjoyed sailing, walking, painting or any other activity, make sure it is still part of your life. It's important that you continue to get out of the house and interact with others.

• 7

  Hold onto your sense of humor. It's true that laughter is often the best medicine. Go to see a hilarious comedy film with a friend or visit a stand-up comedy club on a night when you're feeling up to it. While you are undoubtedly going to be feeling anxious, upset and depressed about your chronic illness, it's important to find the laughter in things as well.

• 8

  Do not be afraid to ask for help.