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Balancing Illness and Daily Life: How Do You Do It?

CarisNotCharis

431d

How do you guys balance work, domestic duties/chores and social life with your illnesses? Honestly, I was doing so well last year, but am struggling so far this year. I'm packing up our stuff as we're moving houses, but it's a lot more energy/strenuous than day-to-day tasks which can be challenging within itself šŸ˜­

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12

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Fibromyalgia (FM)

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

Depression

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    • poodlelover28

      430d

      I'm struggling hard this year too. I'm cutting back my hours at work so I can make my own schedule. I just can't work full time anymore. My mental health is rotten.

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      • CarisNotCharis

        426d

        @poodlelover28 oh no I'm sorry to hear, but glad you've prioritised your mental health! Just know that this period won't last forever, and I'm sure they'll be a point in the future where hopefully you can work full-time again ā˜€ļøšŸ”

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        • poodlelover28

          426d

          @CarisNotCharis thank you! I ended up quitting my job and switching to something way more flexible where I can make my own hours and sign off when I want to. I'm already doing a lot better!

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    • r.augustus

      430d

      The spoon theory! Essentially, imagine if all the energy you have for one day is 8 spoons. Different tasks cost you a different amount of spoons, depending on how much energy it will take for you to complete them. Your spoons replenish with rest, but the key is to conceptualise your daily energy as a depletable resource & spend it accordingly :) I donā€™t remember who came up w it off the top of my head, but I should, bc I use it every day and it changed my life :) hope it helps you too!

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      • CarisNotCharis

        426d

        @r.augustus yes I've heard about the spoon theory. The issue I have is when some tasks need to be prioritised and they take up more energy than others. How do you explain to your friends, family or loved ones that you do you want to socialise with them, but have to delay it/put it on the back-burner?

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        • CarisNotCharis

          426d

          @CarisNotCharis *you do want to

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    • Lunarr

      431d

      Pacing is the most important thing you can do for yourself. It will also be one of the hardest and most frustrating. I frequently find myself upset that I couldn't get more done in a day but then I reassure myself that I'm sick and listening to my body, resting as needed to prevent a flare. You wouldn't expect someone with the flu to function at a high level all the time so don't do that to yourself either Especially with something like packing, do a little bit each day instead of trying to set aside a couple days to do it all in. Balancing work, life, and social is a constant struggle and one that I have problems with, too. Be sure to communicate your limits and condition with those around you including your work/school. Definitely feel the "this year has been worse", it's been rough!! Sending good vibes and I hope moving goes well for you

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    • ClayBrooks

      431d

      I...don't... Well yes i do I just don't do lots, I make sure to tell EVERYONE I knows closely what I'm feeling like In the moment, if i get asked to do something and because of my illness I can't I give them a reason (I can't do that because I feel like I'm going to pass out) etc. Just be blunt and clear on how your illness effects you. With work and such I can't say much as I can't do any, ad to drop out of school and I can't get a job so I just do crochet in bed when I'm not out going to doctors or sometimes going shopping with my sister.

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      • CarisNotCharis

        431d

        @ClayBrooks thank you for sharing your experience and your advice - honestly I really appreciate having someone to talk to who gets it. My mum and sister also suffer from some of the same illnesses so they understand and empathise, but like me they're also struggling with managing everything

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      • CarisNotCharis

        431d

        @ClayBrooks I can completely relate to this. I try and be as transparent as possible, but have had friends in the past end our friendships because they didn't want to deal with the 'baggage' of me having a chronic illness or I wasn't the 'fun' friend anymore. So that rejection has made me super scared to be 100% honest. I feel like chronic illnesses are so stigmatised and people do that internal 'eye roll' when you mention how your illness affects you or they pity you to the point of condescension. I'm not currently doing paid work, but I am trying to set up my own business - I know how exhausting this is for a business owner who doesn't even hve chronic illnesses!

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ā˜ This content is generated by our users and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your physician before making any medical decision

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