The Importance of Support in Chronic Illness Treatment
Practical Support
Keeping track of everything can be hard even if someone doesn’t have a chronic illness. But when dealing with symptoms of chronic illness such as pain, fatigue, and medication side effects, things can be even harder. That’s why it’s vital to involve someone else in your chronic illness treatment.
Having another set of eyes and ears to help you manage all the moving parts is essential. You may not have the energy needed to stay on top of everything. Your sense of security may increase, knowing that someone else is in the thick of it.
There are many ways others can help, such as:
Driving to appointments
Taking notes during appointments
Advocating for you during appointments
Being involved in conversations with multiple healthcare providers to ensure consistency (doctors, pharmacists, physical therapists, etc.)
Running errands, shopping, meal pickup, and more
Helping with basic household tasks (paying bills, cooking, cleaning, laundry, etc.)
The Power of Connection
Human connection is vital. It plays a substantial role in reducing and fending off depression. We need human connection so much that our bodies release feel-good hormones when we have positive interactions with others.
Those with strong emotional bonds also tend to be physically healthier. When you’re chronically ill, you can see how the support of loved ones can help you with your mood and overall health. It can be hard to reach out and ask for help, but it’s worth it. Everyone needs a listening ear and someone to laugh with.
Complementary Support Systems
By now, science has begun to realize that complementary health practices can go a long way in supporting your life with chronic illness. Activities such as gentle yoga, acupuncture, meditation, massage, time in nature, and sound baths are lovely ways to boost your pain management and overall well-being. All of these activities can help you regulate your mood and sense of contentedness. Plus, they’re great add-ons to your traditional medical treatment.
Support Groups
Of course, even though friends and family provide support, you can also find additional support through others experiencing chronic illness treatment. Depending on where you live, you may be able to find a support group for people with your specific illness. If not, there may be groups designed for anyone with a chronic illness.
There’s something powerful about being in a group of people who truly understand where you’re coming from. You can describe what you’re going through and know that they’ll get it. Likewise, you may find insightful advice, treatment tips, and essential information on your medical community through these groups.
Counseling
Seeing a counselor is also an excellent way to find support when dealing with a chronic illness. You may be able to open up to a counselor in ways that you can’t with anyone else. Counseling offers a entirely neutral, judgment-free place to talk. Counselors can also help you deal with the emotional baggage that comes with chronic illness.
If you’re struggling with a long term illness and are interested in finding out more, please reach out to us today. Also, feel free to visit our page on chronic or catastrophic illness to learn more.