Beat anger, depression and gloom with these proven tips.

Uncontrolled stress from chronic illness can influence how you feel about life and can lead to frustration, anger, hopelessness, and even depression. Coping successfully may seem difficult, but it is not impossible. All it takes are good survival skills to help you to maintain a positive outlook.

I know all about the stresses of living with chronic illness. I also know that coping successfully requires a positive and realistic approach. Here are five coping methods that have helped me to continually be positive despite living with rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia.

1. I handle my anger.

I find that anger is harmful to my health and my overall well-being. Anger is also a trap that can lead to a loss of control. Moreover, anger towards your illness can end up being misdirected towards loved ones. It is often easier to direct anger towards specific people than it is to be angry at your illness. In order to take back control, I look for positive outlets for my rage, including talking about my feelings, deep breathing and meditation. By utilizing constructive ways to manage anger, I am not held down by it and I am conserving energy that I can use to help me feel better.

2. I set realistic goals.

There are times where I have found myself saying “yes” to activity invitations, but when it came down to actually participating I found myself dealing with stress, anxiety and doubts due to health factors beyond my control. Rather than allowing illness to me make feel as if I have to surrender all the things I care about doing or what I want to achieve in the long-term, I have chosen to set goals based on what I physically and realistically can do for as long as I can. This attitude has allowed me to remain positive without being tormented by what the future may or may not hold for me.

3. I choose positive self-talk.

I have found that recognizing and rejecting negative thoughts can help me to avoid emotional health issues. Positive self-talk helps me to overcome negative thinking. It helps me so I don’t place any blame for my being sick, and so I can judge my success based on how well I take care of myself. Moreover, I acknowledge all the ways in which I am blessed and I rejoice in the small pleasures of my life. Finally, I know that my illness does not define me nor does it decrease my value or my self-worth.

4. I stop trying to heal.

There is a difference between being chronically ill and having the flu. When you have the flu, you know you will be better and healed up in a week’s time. A chronic illness is very different because it will never go away and it will disrupt your life in so many ways. I know there is no healing with chronic illness, so I let go and I see myself for who I genuinely am. I choose to face the future with hope and optimism and I have let go of the notion that I can somehow be cured or “healed.”

5. I live in the present.

I have taken the belief that my attitude plays an important part of my day-to-day coping. I realize that I can only live for today and take life one day at time. I try not to worry so much about the future. Further, I treat my symptoms as problems that I must overcome and I take pride in overcoming those obstacles. I have long accepted my illness and stopped “asking why.” I am successful because I educate myself about my diseases and I take responsibility for them, including, but not limited to, asking for help when necessary.

All of these coping strategies have allowed me to feel positive despite unavoidable health challenges. These strategies are daily necessities for me and I use them frequently. Further, I know that each day will give me something different that I may need to cope with. But because I have these skills, I know I am better prepared to succeed.

To learn more about this topic:

10 Tips to Fight Arthritis Burnout
5 Tips for Maintaining a Work-Life Balance with Chronic Pain
Tips for Coping with Chronic Pain