How to Thrive with a Chronic Illness
Whether you are diagnosed or not, been struggling for years or are newly symptomatic; living with a chronic illness, chronic pain condition, or disability is taxing. Planning your life around the extra effort most tasks take can be exhausting in and of itself. Though the beginning of your chronic illness journey may feel like an insurmountable uphill climb, know that you are not alone and it will get easier. Everyday we get closer to not only understanding these conditions better, but to learning how to manage them.
One of the hardest parts of living with a chronic illness or chronic pain condition for some people can be getting a diagnosis. Invisible illnesses especially can take years to diagnose and formulate the right treatment plan. Doing your own research, either online or by talking to others in the community, can help you feel empowered to demand proper care and can make it easier to explain your symptoms to a doctor. You could also learn of different ways to help yourself heal that may not involve medication or doctor intervention. For example, Alexa does strength training weekly to help ease her Fibromyalgia symptoms and she wouldn’t have learned of this method without years of research and speaking to others who have been living with her illness for longer.
Discovering chronic pain or illness can make it feel like your body is no longer your own. A crushing thing to hear for anyone living in pain or discomfort; it is going to take time to fully heal. Even after you finally get your diagnosis, creating a treatment plan that not only helps your symptoms but allows you to live your life comfortably may take some trial and error. For some, it can even take time to heal all the damage that was caused unknowingly before your diagnosis. To the best of your ability, give yourself the rest you need while you re-learn how your body needs to be cared for; because one day, you may still have pain or symptoms, but you will be in control again.
The National Institute of Health stated that “adults with physical/sensory disabilities have a 3.7-fold higher incidence of depression than the general population.” It’s easy to understand why when you factor in daily pain, discomfort and difficulties, possible years of being dismissed or not believed, the impact of chronic illness on friendships and relationships, and the constant threat of flare ups even after a treatment plan is in effect. It is understandable to want to minimize your life to avoid risk, but this only fuels the fear and isolation that chronic pain or illness can cause. This is also why creating a strong community is essential. Having people to lean on or talk to when you are feeling low can help immensely during a period of time that can be intensely isolating. These don’t even have to be people who share your diagnosis! True friends will understand the accommodations that you need and meet you wherever you're at.
Remember: Becoming disabled can happen to anyone at any time. If you or someone you know is struggling, showing up can make all the difference in the world. You are not alone and it will get easier!
Here is an official breakdown of services provided and the rights afforded to those living with disabilities and their families: https://www.usa.gov/disability-services
