Chronic illnesses affect millions of people around the world each day. A chronic illness is defined as a long-term condition that can last a year or more and either limits activities or requires ongoing medical attention. Some people have chronic illnesses for life.
As you can imagine, this can be difficult to deal with, because it impacts your overall health and quality of life. But there are things you can do to reclaim your life if you have a chronic illness.
Getting a Diagnosis
The first step is to get a diagnosis. Some people resist going to the doctor even for a chronic illness because they’re worried they won’t be taken seriously or the doctor won’t be able to help them.
However, there are constantly advances in the medical field that mean that different chronic conditions can be effectively treated or even cured. For example, while lupus can’t yet be cured, it can be treated to the point of remission, so you can live a normal life.
Often, early diagnosis is the key to early and more successful treatment. Even if your condition can’t be cured, the proper treatment can provide relief and your doctor can give you advice to help you be as healthy as possible.
General Health
Even if you have a chronic condition, you should still look after your general health. Often, symptoms of chronic health conditions are exacerbated by poor overall health.
This means that you should pay attention to your diet, how much water you drink, as well as how much you exercise. Some health conditions do limit how much you can exercise, but it’s good to be as fit as you can be.
Be wary of habits like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption as well, because they can make your health worse.
Working With Limitations
Many people with a chronic health condition have to deal with limitations that affect their quality of life and even the amount they can work or the type of work they can do. Some employers are willing to provide options, such as allowing you to work from home on bad days so you can conserve energy.
The key is to be patient with yourself and talk to your doctor about what you can expect to be able to do, as well as what you can work towards. If you know other people with the same or similar health problems, it’s beneficial to talk to them about how they work with their limitations.
Your Mental Health
Physical and mental health often go hand-in-hand. Many people with chronic conditions struggle with their mental health, perhaps due to anxiety about their health, depression, or low self worth.
Again, talking to people can really help you to process your feelings and work towards better mental health. In some cases, it can be helpful to see a mental health professional and get therapy or even medication that can help you manage your mood and enjoy life more.
