Learn how to tame your worries about your health and arthritis with these simple coping techniques.
Most of us worry about our health because we have loved ones to care for, we don’t want to be dependent on anyone, and we don’t want to give up the things we love. But when you have a chronic illness, you have even more to be concerned about regarding your health. You might feel angry, helpless, and even afraid.
I consider myself an expert on the fear brought upon by rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia because I have learned to overcome and manage my worries alongside my health challenges for the past eight years. I also know that being afraid is one of the most common reactions to forced changes but it isn’t something you should let consume your life.
Here are 7 ways to overcome fears about your chronic illness.
People are afraid of what they don’t know. From the moment of diagnosis, invest time in understanding your symptoms and treatment options. Let your diagnosis be an opportunity for you to grow and learn more about your chronic illness, your body, and all the ways in which you can have a full and productive life despite your health issues.
When you have a chronic illness, the relationship with you doctor is one of the most important relationships you will ever have. A doctor who doesn’t take you seriously, doesn’t listen to you, isn’t knowledgeable about your disease, or gets easily frustrated with your questions will only worsen your fears and even your symptoms. The right doctor for you will act like your partner in your healthcare. Once you find that person, both your health and outlook on life will improve.
You are scared and might think your life cannot go on unless you can regain the health you had before chronic illness. Many things will change, but know that your life is not over. While it may be discouraging to see others do things you can’t, the ultimate goal of life is to be happy for ourselves and others. It is okay to grieve, but remember there is more out there. Know that ultimately you will be okay and won't feel so overwhelmed by the challenges.
Being hopeful will help you envision your continued independence, keep you productive, and face the challenges of your illness. While we cannot change certain outcomes, we can choose to be hopeful to better manage the difficulties. Let go of your fears and choose to look forward to a bright future.
Fears about chronic illness are sometimes easier to escape if you wish it never happened, hope for a miracle, or pretend that it is not real. These feelings of denial might work for a short time but they’re a trap. The end results of acceptance are better health outcomes, inner peace, better coping, and less concern about the future.
Too many people with chronic illness allow themselves to be isolated from loved ones and society. Inadequate social and emotional support leads to fear, depression and worsening symptoms. People who were proud of their independence prior to being diagnosed are at the highest risk for these feelings. Find ways to talk openly with family and friends about your fears, and a mental health professional can help you deal with what you can’t or don’t want to share with loved ones. Don't forget to take advantage of support groups for people who live with the same condition as you.
We are so much more than our illness, so we shouldn’t walk around feeling defeated or defined by it. Chronic illness is only a small part of our lives and we shouldn’t allow it to consume our thoughts and actions. Instead, we should focus on our abilities and the gifts that the experience of chronic illness brings rather than the challenges. Accept yourself as you are and spend time with people who support you and the ways you have chosen to manage your illness.
It’s still possible to find meaning and purpose while working on feeling secure about your health. But it takes a lot of energy to manage your chronic illness every day, and fear will work against you. Face your fears and worries so that they don’t debilitate you and keep you from enjoying life.
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