If you’ve ever had a stubborn case of the flu, you’ve probably groaned to yourself, thinking, “I can’t wait to feel better.” But what if you knew you’d be dealing with the symptoms for months, or even years? You might have a tough time coping. That’s certainly the case for some individuals with chronic illnesses like heart failure, diabetes, and dementia. Without a quick fix, how can these individuals start dealing with chronic illness? It takes a variety of physical and behavioral health interventions.
Dealing with Chronic Illness
What Is Chronic Illness?
First, what exactly is chronic illness? Chronic illness is much more than a long-lasting case of the flu. The National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion defines these illnesses as “conditions that last one year or more and require ongoing medical attention or limit activities of daily living or both.” Examples of chronic illnesses are dementia, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, HIV/AIDS, and mood disorders like depression and bipolar disorder.
Understanding Your Illness
Before you can learn to live with your chronic illness, it’s important to understand everything you can about the condition. That includes symptoms, treatment options, and your long-term health outlook. Don’t be afraid to ask your doctor specific questions about your condition. You can also educate yourself online, or through patient associations for specific conditions (like the American Heart Association, which provides resources for individuals diagnosed with heart disease).
Connect with a Chronic Illness Community
For individuals dealing with a chronic illness, community is everything. Many hospitals and organizations run in-person and virtual support groups specifically for people living with certain chronic illnesses. Connecting with others who know the ins and outs of your condition can be a great outlet, as well as a uniquely empathetic source of support during the hard times. If you’d rather not join a support group, there are also blogs and discussion forums to allow anonymous conversation and support.
Prioritize Self-Care
Depending on the severity of your condition, you may be able to ease your symptoms through a few lifestyle changes. Whether that’s stopping smoking, moving your body, or exploring different eating habits, focusing on your health can help you feel more in control and potentially increase your daily energy levels. This extends to seemingly obvious aspects of self-care; for example, remembering to take your prescribed medications and staying in touch with your healthcare provider. If you find yourself struggling with these aspects of self-care, don’t be afraid to reach out to a friend or loved one for support.
Behavioral Health and Chronic Illness
Your healthcare team is a great resource during your chronic illness journey. However, a behavioral health professional can also help you cope with chronic illness. A behavioral health expert can assess your current coping mechanisms, help you create new goals, and outline a plan for your coping skills. Behavioral health treatment can also help you manage chronic pain, conserve your energy, manage your emotions, and overall minimize the impact your condition has on your life.
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Living with chronic illness can be intensely stressful. Fortunately, you can take steps to manage your condition with the help of qualified medical and behavioral health experts. Focusing on self-care, finding community, and speaking openly about your condition can all be great first steps when it comes to dealing with chronic illness.
Reed Behavioral Health offers highly individualized solutions for individuals and families who have been impacted by behavioral health problems. Our approach is different. It starts with a comprehensive and individualized assessment process so we can determine how to best help you. For more information, please call us at 763-577-2489, email us at [email protected], or send us a message online. We look forward to working with you!