Coping with a Chronic Condition

 

A self-care guide for patients

What makes you smile? Give yourself a moment to reflect. 

Engaging with people or things that bring you joy is a form of self-care, which is an important practice to maintain your health, reduce stress, and keep you on a path of wellbeing.

Self-care entails any activity that recharges you physically, mentally, or emotionally. It can take many forms, such as setting a routine to manage your condition or chatting with a friend. 

Although there is no one set way to practice self-care, it can be difficult to know where to start. Here are some suggestions to help guide you in your practice.  

 

Do things that bring you joy.
Spend time with people, activities, or environments that make you happy. 

Try therapy, even short-term.
Therapy can help people learn techniques to cope with negative thoughts or process difficult experiences and provide emotional support. 

Write down your support circle.
Make a list of people you can count on as a reminder that you’re not alone. It may also help to write down the specific ways they can help you. 

Talk through your emotions.
Opening up to those in your support circle—especially about any feelings of anxiety, loss, or sadness—is important so they may be better prepared to help you. 

Connect with others.
You don’t have to talk to connect with others—Hearing another voice is a form of connection. Even small talk can promote happiness.  

Make sleep a priority.
A good night’s rest is a mood stabilizer.  

Practice relaxation techniques.
Consult your doctor before trying certain relaxation techniques if you have symptoms that may be affected by movement or deep breathing. 

Be active within your limits.
Consult your doctor before doing physical activity if you have symptoms that may be affected by movement or sweating. 

Eat healthfully.
A nutritious diet is important for supporting the immune system, which is especially critical for patients who are more susceptible to infections. 

Practice positive thinking.
Finding silver linings or meaning in a diagnosis can be helpful coping mechanisms and fuel our ability to handle everyday stress. 

Set short, achievable goals.
Plan specific ways to manage your condition.

Limit your online/media exposure.
Aim to engage with only positive information that makes you feel safe and connected. 

Empower yourself with knowledge.
Be your own best advocate by learning as much as you can about your condition and raising awareness among others. 

Write down your thoughts.
Writing down your feelings, frustrations, or concerns can help you release those thoughts and keep track of your mood and behavior over time. 

Listen to your body and mind.
Identify challenges to gain better control and self-management and understand what works and what doesn’t in your coping process. 

 

Prioritizing self-care can help you improve your quality of life. If you feel overwhelmed and self-help isn't enough, seek support. 

Keep in mind: Your healthcare team is the best source of information and point of contact if you have any questions or concerns about your health. Please consult your healthcare team if you have any questions about your health or treatment.

Remember, your CareConnect team is here to support you too. Call 1-800-745-4447, option 3, or email info@CareConnectPSS.com.