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Most people with chronic illnesses aren't able to function as well as they'd like, in one way or another. Some illnesses might cause a person to get tired easily or miss out on simple daily activities. Other chronic illnesses may make it necessary to use a wheelchair or to carry around some special foods or medication. But whatever someone who is chronically ill uses to get through the day, the chances are they're going to feel different because of it.
If you have a chronic illness, your doctors will be looking after your physical health, but it can affect all aspects of your life, such as your confidence, your relationships, your social and working life. It has to be managed. It’s likely to affect confidence, family life, relationships, social and working life. You may feel that you have no control – that the illness will always win. Yes, it will impose limits and changes to your life, but there are lots of things you can do.
When you are first diagnosed you may experience -
- Shock
- Disbelief
- Anger
- Helplessness
- Fear
- Detachment
- Frustration
Some of these feelings may return from time to time.
Questions will arise, such as:
- How will this illness progress?
- What will be my limitations?
- What can I do to reduce the impact on my life?
- How will my life change?
- How will this affect my relationships?
What will help?
- Accepting the reality of your situation, and planning to have your best life within your limitations
- Learning what helps you to cope with symptoms and treatment e.g. fatigue, pain, side effects etc
- If your illness involves pain – and pain hurts more when you are tense - learn good Posture and tension-relieving exercises.
- Social support – the understanding of family, friends, colleagues – if it is difficult for them to understand initially - try to get them just to accept your condition.
- Learning to deal with anxiety
- Keeping interested in things outside your condition
- Learning to prioritise – balance and pace yourself
- Conserving energy – try not to take on too much, learn relaxation techniques
- Learning to accept what you can’t change, change what you can.
- Preparing things you can do, e.g. a pile of books you want to read for when you can’t get about.
- If you have good and bad days – enjoy the good and tolerate the bad.
- Keep informed - if you are unsure about the effects of your illness or medication ask your
- doctor or health professional
- It can be difficult to know when to give in and when to force yourself on – this is something that will only come with experience – don’t expect too much of yourself.
- Learning how to deal with thoughts and beliefs (Mental Attitudes) about your situation.
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Learning basic Relaxation for Living skills will help you conserve your energy and keep a positive attitude.
Good posture - Standing or Sitting
If you feel up to it, try some tension-relieving exercises, such as the Sitting Exercises
It’s ok to feel sad, but try to think about what you can do and enjoy and don’t waste time and energy worrying about what you can’t do or have
Check out your thoughts - Mental Attitudes
If you feel overwhelmed – try the WASP technique
Check for tension in your body throughout the day
Practise your Breathing.
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Chronic Illness 
