Written by: Amanda Phillips
It is rather difficult for many—the moment when one's life reaches the ground in an instant upon diagnosis with a chronic illness. Feelings at this stage can be of shock, fear, sadness, or relief. Life changes fast, and you find yourself dumbfounded by how to carry on life with a condition that one now will have in life for good.
This is quite normal—being frightened and having no idea as to what the future holds after a diagnosis of chronic illness. In time, support, and some strategies that help you come to adapt, will allow you to get your footing and learn how to navigate through this new stage in your life. The following article will discuss issues like coping emotionally with the diagnosis and finding support, lifestyle changes.
It means the processing of the diagnosis—processing the grieving and adjustment in their own time.
Though this might be one of the last things that people would want to do when they hear of a chronic illness diagnosis, one of the first major things is to allow oneself to grieve. You may feel that you've lost your pre-diagnosis self, the person who isn't preoccupied with symptoms, medication, and doctors' appointments at all times. This potential loss can tap from a pot of emotions: everything from sad to angry. But it is very important you let yourself feel permission to grieve your loss, to feel your emotions.
That's okay to be angry, cry, or frustrated with what is happening. Sometimes it does take some time getting used to the new reality, and not everyone faces a diagnosis the same way. You may not need to have everything figured out immediately. Give yourself permission to go through the five stages of grief—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and finally, acceptance—on your own time. There is no right or wrong way to cope with your diagnosis, and one should be easy on themselves through this process.
Surround yourself with a good support network after diagnosis. There's no need to go through this journey alone, and it makes quite a big difference when there are people who will care for your welfare.
Although your friends and family may not truly understand what you are experiencing, they can offer other means of support: helping with household chores, being an active listener, or simply being present when moments of joy and comfort are needed can be a very important part of your journey.
These on-site and online support groups are indispensable in dealing with chronic illness. The support group allows the patient to be among others who understand better than anyone else could possibly what it is like to live with their condition. Sharing experiences, the ability to share information and advice, and words of encouragement empower and comfort people who "get it." Find local support groups through a hospital or nonprofit organization, or connect with an online community in which you can easily participate from your home.
One of the largest adjustments to life a person must make upon diagnosis with a chronic illness is in learning ways to adapt daily life to meet new needs regarding one's health. This can mean adjusting your work schedule, changing daily patterns of life, or learning to listen to your body in ways you never had to before.
Symptom management is a huge part of living well with a chronic condition. This may involve keeping a symptom diary, tracking flare-up triggers, and communicating with your doctor to make needed adjustments in treatment. In this way, you are able to work out the balance that enables you to manage your condition without giving up the activities you enjoy.
If you are working, a chronic condition will make it hard, at times, to balance between your health and work. You will be required to advocate for workplace accommodations such as flexible hours or the capability to work from home with the intention of making sure you can keep your job while addressing your condition. No fear of openness and honesty with the employer will help you create a work environment that is supportive of your health.
Activities of daily living also have to be adjusted. Things that were so easy before, such as grocery shopping from the supermarket, handling household chores, or chatting with friends, will now be given some forethought and energy invested in them. It is very important not to overexert your energy and to place yourself accordingly. Allow yourself to rest when you need to, and ask for help if you need it. A very important part of self-care is taking good care of your chronic illness.
We fully understand the relationship with one's medical team plays a very important role in one's chronic illness journey. Evidently, it is so crucial to build up a strong trusting relationship with doctors and health providers in order that one should feel absolutely free to discuss one's symptoms, ask questions, and self-advocate for proper care that is needed.
Don't be afraid to ask questions during your appointments—from how treatment options may affect you or how to work with and manage side effects, to questions about test results. Be open and honest about how you're feeling, and make sure your concerns are being addressed. If at any point you feel that your doctor has no regard for your symptoms, you want a second opinion. It's very important that you feel empowered within that relationship; this is a partnership between you and your medical team.
It changes your life having a chronic illness, but it need not change everything you ever enjoy. While the road ahead will have its hurdles, there is also hope in finding a new rhythm, adjusting life styles, and learning to live well with your condition. Surround yourself with supportive company, be open with communication with your medical team, and remember it's okay to take things one day at a time.
These will see you through onto the stronger footing and better understanding of health with time, patience, and support. Life may be far from what it is now, but it is yours to live—full, speed always yours.
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