ROdown Blog
Living with a chronic illness?
Are you living with a chronic illness?
Maybe you know someone living with a chronic illness?
Maybe you're even caring for a friend or family member with a chronic illness?
If you answered 'yes' to any of these questions it could be that you are feeling very sad, alone, frustrated, angry and helpless.
It could be that you have worked through these feelings with a counsellor or psychologist and are in a better place emotionally? Or maybe you have some other strategies that have helped you?
The ReachOut community would love to hear your strategies and tips that have helped you - feel free to share below or join us tonight on the ROtreat forums. We'll be having a discussion, connecting with others and sharing strategies that you or someone you know may find very helpful.
Click on the link below and go straight through to the discussion!
Living with a chronic illness @7.30pm AEST
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6 Comments
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Kyliee
almost 2 years ago
Reply ReportAwesome strategies, Not So Sure!!! It has helped me to understand that, even though it hurts to be a family member of someone who is chronicaly ill, i need to do as much as possible to try and relate and help as much as possible.
I know it doesn't sound great but a strategy I have relied on is 'distraction' if you like. Or getting involved in constructive things. I have found things a lot more tolerable when i have something constructive to do. Things like excercise, or playing an instrument, or hanging out with friends etc.
And one of those most important things I have had to remember is that every day is a blessing, and we should definitely treat it like one.
I hope this is slightly helpful to someone.
Notsosure
over 2 years ago
Reply ReportHi all
One thing that has frustrated me about having a chronic illness is that people don't always understand how it effects you. For me I can do certain things like snowboarding but unable to do some other a lot more basic things. This can be frustrating because you get pressured to do, or in trouble for not doing things. The best thing i have found is to just try and stay calm when this happens. And just try and gently reinforce that you can't do these things and if it gets really bad or is for official purposes then maybe get a letter from your specialist.
Another thing i have found difficult is not being able to do things others are doing and maybe being left out/not invited when they do. The best thing I have found is to let people know you do want to be involved, even if you volunteer to be the photographer. Or you could arrange events that you can do.
Another thing that i find difficult is feeling alone, as though you are the only person with the same illness as though no one else understands what it is like to have it. One thing that has been suggested is to ask and find out if there are any associations for people with the same illness. I am still struggling as my illness is one in a million and generally in older patients.
Anyway, I hope this helps someone.
Bella.
over 2 years ago
Reply ReportHey guys,
Notsosure
over 2 years ago
Reply ReportDamn I can't believe i missed it either
Ophelia.L
over 2 years ago
Reply ReportOh man! I cannot believe I missed out on this :'(
I'm hmm....wordless :(
Sorry I couldnt make it!
Chey
over 2 years ago
Reply ReportIm looking forward to tonights Info bus session :)
Im finding lately they really help and the topics are kinda revelant to me,Looking forward to hearing everyones stragerties as to what helped them throigh and to also share what has helped me.
Fingers crossed Ill be on the bus tonight and looking forward to seeing you all there.