Living with Chronic Illness: How Can I Make My Life Better?

“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning to dance in the rain.”
– Vivian Greene

A vast majority of people experience some chronic illness at some point of time in their lives. This happens because of biological degeneration, with health problems being most inevitable in the past period of human life. The most common diseases leading to reduced quality of life are cancer, hypertension, osteoporosis, diabetes mellitus, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, rheumatoid arthritis, epilepsy, stroke, and multiple sclerosis. Chronic illnesses have a profound influence on the lives of sufferers as they are long-term illnesses. Some are fatal and some are not; some are stable with a certain prognosis, and others may show great variation in terms of their day-to-day manifestations and their long-term course and outcome. 

As chronic illnesses are long-term in nature and each disease has specific symptoms, they may also manifest invisible symptoms like pains, aches, fatigue and mood disturbances. In addition to the everyday challenges that most people face, chronic illness adds new layers of stressors. For example, the person may need to:

• Cope with pain or discomfort from their symptoms
• Take steps to manage their condition and practice self-care
• Adjust to new limitations that their condition puts on their life
• Manage increased financial pressures
• Cope with feelings of frustration, confusion, or isolation

Samvedna Care provides online mental health counseling to support individuals with chronic illnesses, offering them a platform to express their emotions, address their unique challenges, and receive compassionate care.

If a person has a chronic illness, how can they make their life better? 

The most important step a person can take is to seek support as soon as they feel that they are unable to cope or manage the concerns. This will help them understand and deal with the many effects of chronic illness. It also helps them learn to manage stress and manage a positive, physical, and emotional outlook toward life. 

There are things that a person can do to make their life better. The below-mentioned strategies can be used to cope with difficulties and regain self-control.

1. Understanding one’s condition: One must observe their body and pay close attention to what seems to ease the symptoms or make them worse. They must pen down their concerns and observations and discuss them with their treating doctor. They must also learn about their illness in detail from the specialist. 
2. Support groups: Support group sessions provide an environment where a person can learn new ways of dealing with their illness from other person’s experiences and coping strategies. We at Samvedna Care, provide a safe space to maintain both practical and emotional support. 
3. Prioritizing mental health: Chronic illnesses can take a toll on mental health, so it’s important to prioritize mental well-being. Online mental health counseling, provided by qualified mental health therapists, can offer a safe space to process emotions, develop coping strategies, and address any psychological comorbidities. Mental health professionals can provide personalized guidance and evidence-based therapies to help individuals navigate the emotional challenges associated with their condition.
4. Practice a good lifestyle: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help a person feel well and this includes maintaining a healthy diet, engaging in physical activity each day, having adequate sleep, and socializing. 
5. Setting realistic goals: Adjusting expectations and setting realistic goals is crucial when living with a chronic illness. Recognizing limitations and finding new ways to engage in activities that bring joy and fulfillment can contribute to a sense of accomplishment and enhance overall satisfaction

Living with a chronic illness can take a toll on an individual’s psychological well-being. The emotional challenges, daily struggles, and uncertainties can lead to feelings of frustration, isolation, and confusion. However, by prioritizing mental health and seeking support through online mental health care and mental health therapists, individuals can find solace and develop effective coping strategies. Mental health therapists can empower individuals with chronic illnesses to navigate their journey with resilience, self-care, and a supportive network, ultimately improving their overall well-being and quality of life. There are ways to manage the stresses of everyday life. Make sure to seek professional support. We at Samvedna Care, provide online mental health care, and support group services, to support individuals dealing with chronic illness.