Coping with Chronic Illness and Its Effects

Everytime I have to cancel or rearrange something that was important because of my health conditions/symptoms, it takes a toll on me. I wish when people heard this, that they’d meet me with empathy, encouragement, or much needed help to try and provide some relief. Instead I’m met with disappointment, suspicion, or disdain and it makes things worse for me symptom wise. I’m constantly thinking of how I can make it up, or on how much I have to miss out on or do “differently” (commonly meaning seldom or not at all) and it’s really taking a toll on me. No school, no work, this no financial stability, strained social life, estranged from half my family with ableist views, limited support, difficulties with basic tasks, irregular basic human bodily functions, constant disappointment, biggest dreams n goals interrupted/on hold. How do I cope with all this when I’m just tired of coping

Your answer

Gracie1217

2y ago

Oh friend, thank you for posting. It sounds like you're feeling tired, left out, and unsupported. You're not alone in feeling everything you're feeling. It's really, really hard to manage all the things life seems to demand or require, and it's totally okay to acknowledge that it's not fair how much extra work we with chronic health conditions have to do compared to everyone else. I'm wondering if you might be able to start building a support network of your own, friends and doctors and a therapist or counselor who will be on your side and in your corner and who will have your back. I can also say with total honesty that one of the kindest most helpful things I've done for myself (with therapy support, granted, but there are tons of resources online too) has been to learn to practice self-compassion for everything I'm experiencing and feeling. I'm a beginner at it still; when I do practice, however, I feel very much like I'm safe with myself and that I've got my own back too, if that makes sense. 💕

PEMprincess

2y ago

Thank you tremendously. I am certainly feeling those things. Not even so much unsupported but under-supported, which is significant bc it triggers a feeling of guilt that I’m frustrated at others for something that’s no one’s fault- or jealous that “everyone else” has such ease and the luxury of having help to offer. This can make it difficult to be patient with myself in rlly hard times when I feel I should simply be ok with what I’ve got/be able to do more. I’m usually okay, but there are days like today, where I’m imagining my life will be based on constantly pacifying myself instead of living the way I was on track to before, or on any track that’s fulfilling to me for that matter. Have you been able to establish a routine & any reliable physical/financial independence and stability? What are some of your favorite ways you practice self compassion? Especially the moments you’re feeling like you’ve got little left to give.

The content in this post is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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