Coping with a Chronic Condition: What to do After the Diagnosis
Just because you’ve been diagnosed with a chronic condition doesn’t mean you can’t live a rich and fulfilling life. However, some people can find themselves in a mental rut after hearing the news.
Patients who put certain healthful practices in place can educate themselves about the condition they have; feel better about their situation and maintain a higher level of mental health; and help slow the progression of their chronic disease and live to a ripe old age.
Below, we’ll go over a few of the most effective strategies every patient with a chronic illness needs to know and take into account when moving forward after a diagnosis.
Talk with Your Doctor Before Surfing the Web
The Internet is both a blessing and a curse. While you can learn a great deal about your condition online, it is sometimes hard to tell the difference between research-backed articles and less trustworthy material.
Additionally, many conditions have an entire range of severity and progression that may not even apply to you and how your condition affects you.
Unfortunately, many people nowadays are misdiagnosing themselves with chronic conditions or attributing new symptoms to an additional condition, especially if they are already prone to hypochondria.
The best person to talk with about your condition is your primary care physician and specialists you have met with about your specific situation.
Asking your doctor about your different treatment options and the risks associated with each decision will keep you updated on your condition and its progression without the added worry of phantom diseases.
For instance, if you have a chronic kidney disease, ask about the benefits and drawbacks of the various treatment options you have with your condition.
You can explore home CKD treatment options, dialysis centers, and the transplant process with an expert who will have a more educated outlook for your unique situation.
Also, be aware that you’ll probably still want to do your own research—you’re human. Be sure to ask your doctor what websites, blogs, and communities he or she recommends for credible health information.
This will help you scratch that internet itch while consuming accurate information.
Find Ways to Reduce Stress
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that people who have a chronic condition can be more susceptible to mental health issues like anxiety and depression.
Having a chronic disease is stressful, and that stress can take a toll on your quality of life as well as your physical health.
We now know that there’s a direct correlation between psychological stress and painful physical symptoms.
So what do you do when this sudden, life-altering information starts to affect the way your brain is working?
One of the best things anyone with a chronic disorder could do manage their symptoms is practice some form of stress reduction every day.
This could include anything like practicing meditation, Tai Chi, yoga, or taking regular Epsom salt baths to picking up a creative hobby like knitting, painting, music, and more.
If you feel under extreme pressure, don’t hesitate to book an appointment and speak with a licensed therapist or pain management specialist.
Invest in a Healthier Lifestyle
Sometimes being diagnosed with a chronic condition encourages people to make radical changes in their diet and exercise routine out of immediate necessity or as part of a preventative care plan.
Those patients who adopt healthful habits like changing your diet and nutritional intake, exercising regularly, and ditching excessive drinking or smoking, often have a better time dealing with their health conditions than people who don’t.
In every case, consult your doctor and a dietitian with experience working with those with chronic conditions before making any significant changes in diet or exercise.
Making a drastic life change due to a chronic condition diagnosis can be difficult to do alone. Sticking with the change can also feel like an unachievable goal.
Anyone who needs help transitioning into a healthier lifestyle should schedule a few appointments with a nutritionist or a personal trainer.
Working with a certified coach can help you better achieve your health goals safely. Be sure to talk about your diagnosis with your coach so they know and can plan the direction they should take your personal health plan.
No matter what chronic health condition you’re facing, consulting your doctor often, finding the right stress-reliever for you, and investing time and energy into a healthier lifestyle can help you make great strides toward feeling better than you otherwise would inside and out.
Of course, there will be good and bad days. However, when you take the necessary steps each and every day, the good days can easily outweigh the bad.
As long as you surround yourself with friends, family, and professionals who understand your health issues, you’ll have a much easier time dealing with the challenges that come with a chronic condition and be able to see yourself thrive during what could have been a difficult period in your life.
Category: Health
