Coping with Chronic Illness: Positively Facing Health Challenges

Lavina Waghalekar
March 07 , 2024
People feel significant discomfort when they develop a fever or a cold. Imagine living with a chronic illness for life. Daunting, isn't it? One-third of the population in this world suffers from a chronic illness. The impact on the mental health of these individuals is significant. Living a life that is filled with uncertainties, the constant back and forth with the doctors and the fear of the result of every report that is to come can lead to deteriorated mental health and wellbeing. While these individuals learn to live with the illness, there's also a need to look after their mental health.
In this blog, we will be exploring the relationship between chronic illness and mental health while also exploring a few coping techniques for better mental health.
Correlation Between Chronic Illness and Mental Health
Chronic illness often has an impact on your overall mental health. It impacts your daily routine and leads to social isolation. The acceptance of chronic illness is overwhelming while you also tackle and deal with the intrusive thoughts. There is a sense of fear with respect to the future and one often deals with the question of what they did to deserve this.
It also leads to isolating yourself from the world, not confronting your emotions, and bottling them up until they start interfering with daily life and relationships.
Photo by Kristine Wook Team on Unsplash
Coping With Chronic Illness for Better Mental Health
While the process of coping with chronic illness seems overwhelming, everything will gradually start falling into place. The goal here is to take the first step in your healing journey and identify the coping techniques that work best for you.
Here are some coping techniques to begin with:
Finding the right social support: Finding a support system is essential in your journey to healing. Having a friend, a family member, or a partner with whom you can share your thoughts and concerns can help you get in touch with yourself and allow you to voice your fears and uncertainties.
Accepting your emotions: One of the most crucial aspects is the acceptance of your own emotions. Take the time to grieve your loss and get in touch with how you truly feel. Shutting your emotions down can manifest themselves in physical symptoms, leading to further discomfort.
Being connected to your healthcare providers: Connect with your healthcare providers on a regular basis to check up on your health and get regular tests done. This will allow us to ensure that there are no signs of relapse, and it can be caught early if there is any new development.
Rediscover yourself: While you go through these life-altering changes, it is natural for you to lose your sense of being. Take the time to rediscover yourself through self-care, creating boundaries, and spending time with yourself.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Maintain a lifestyle that is healthy and sustainable for the long run. This may include incorporating yoga, exercise, and a balanced diet into your routine.
Seek professional support: Lastly, finding the right therapist to help you on this journey is essential. Engaging in weekly sessions with your therapist will allow you to work on your thoughts and emotions.
Finding the right support and therapist is crucial in order to cope with and live with chronic illness. Reach out to a professional for support and start your journey towards better mental health.
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