Coping with the Loss of Self: How Others Have Managed

I actually looked up information about grieving yourself through chronic illness. It was helpful to read or watch other stories and hear the same things I was feeling. You have to grieve to heal. It’s a very hard process. I always suggest even just basic talk therapy because having an unbiased outside party to dumb on can be so helpful, especially when our loved ones are grieving in their own ways as we grow through these tough seasons. My biggest turning point was coming to terms that I am not the same person, and the person I was before illness that made plans and goals and had certain skills, I had to lay her to rest and give her peace. I had to be honest and find value in who I am not even though there is a LOT of change involved. I personally still have a lot of unknowns as to why I’m ill and what it even is. So over a year into the thick of this, I still have to remind myself it’s a marathon, not a race, progression is slow and that’s ok. I’ve had to learn self grace and how not to beat myself up for being a different person. I started thinking about how I would encourage someone else in my shoes and started talking to myself that way, and actually listening to wise people around me watching my struggle and helping to pull me through it. Take the help, take the rest, cry the tears, and be ok with rough days as you learn through this.

By releasing I felt a loss of self bc I never knew myself. So I began a self journey to figure out a) who I wanted to be and b) what resonated with me. The biggest part was figuring out who I am and what I want verses what others want me to be. I never had a sense of self, but I’m starting to.

Not easy but im greatful for the good days