The Best Approach When Dealing With Chronic Illnesses
Chronic illnesses have become common nowadays and people of every walk of life are getting them. They catch up with you regardless of age profession or status and they are a reality that we have to live with. Unlike dealing with flu or a wound, chronic illnesses like Parkinson’s Disease (PD), type 2 diabetes, cancer and stroke are long-term and pose the victim with the challenge of dealing with them day in day out and for some till death. This needs a great deal of human strength and effort to help cope with the various body changes that result from them. So, what are some of the ways we can manage our daily lives when faced with a chronic illness
Understand your condition
It is easier to come to terms with a chronic condition if we well understand it. Ask your doctor what the condition is like and the different reactions you expect as you progress through life. Read about it, both the negative and the positive things about it.in this way, it will be easier to face what might come up. It will increase your level of acceptance and strengthen your will to live on.
Adopt healthy living
Going for exercise, quitting smoking, eating healthier foods are some of the ways of adopting a different and better lifestyle. This will help you with the chronic illness of any kind. Make a decision to live better today and every day so that your body will support itself.
Build a care team
Fighting alone is not easy, but fighting as a team is better. Invite the family to make lifestyle changes with you if your illness requires that. As doctors don’t have answers to all questions, add to your team, experts who can help you with relevant information. For instance, a nutritionist will help you with nutrition information, a gym guide on the exercise you need.
Your medication is key
Some meds have to be taken daily and it is not easy to keep a memory of that. Why you take them and when to do it plus how they react towards your health are important things to know. Your doctor or nurse can inform you more as to why you need the medication. They will help you embrace the medication and manage it well
Don’t lose yourself to depression
Most chronically ill people give in to depression, at least 10%-40% we can say, dependent on the illness. This may prevent you from living well, taking your meds, adopting your lifestyle changes, being with family and even seeing your doctor. Get knowledge about the symptoms of depression and when you see them, let your doctor know.
These few things will help you cope, and plan how you want it to end so that you can save your loved ones any pain and agony. Life is what we will make of it, let us live well.
