In my doctoral training for Clinical Psychology, we were taught the importance of self care. Not only to help our patients achieve a healthy level of self care, but to make sure that we incorporated these skills into our own lives. Everyone needs to take care of themselves physically, mentally/emotionally/psychologically, medically, etc. Individuals who are dealing with a chronic medical condiiton require a higher level of self care than individuals who are considered healthy. In order to cope with the daily struggles that chronic illnesses cause, we need to pay attention to our needs (continuously assess them) and apply techniques in order to meet those needs.
For instance, it does not need to be stated that the first priority lies in taking care of our physical health. This consists of regular doctors appointments, procedures and tests, treatments, etc. Eating a balanced diet and taking vitamins or other supplements that may enhance our health is also important. Exercise is important, however it is often difficult for those of us with chronic illnesses to engage in regular exercise regimens. I know for me I cannot participate in the activities I was able to do with ease prior to having Behcet's. I used to ride 20 miles on my mountain bike a day, hike up mountains, run 5 miles/day, go to yoga classes. I am lucky now if I can take my doggy for a walk around the block. My physical health has deteriorated so much that even the smallest amount of physical exertion can cause me to be out of breath and exhausted. It is quite frustrating to not be able to work out like I used to. But I do what I can and I tell myself that I have to assess where my body is at daily. If I am capable of walking, I do so. If not, I try and just move around as much as possible.
Equally important to taking care of ourselves physically is making sure that our psychological and emotional well being is addressed. Since I am a psychologist, I am a huge advocate for mental health. I see a therapist....not regularly, but when I feel that I need to speak with a therapist who is able to help me. That's called booster sessions. Some people may benefit from speaking with a therapist on a regular basis (tyhpically once per week). It can be extremely hepful in coping with the issues that go along with having a chronic illness. Chronic pain, especially, can be extremely emotionally taxing. There are so many psychological issues that can arise from chronic illnesses......for instance, feeling inadequate or useless, feelings of hopelessness, body image issues, depression, anxiety, social isolation, losing interest in things you previously enjoyed (which is a symptom of depression), feeling like you are not good enough and comparing yourself to others (feelings of inadequacy), among many others. Each individual has his or her own issues that are specific to his or her illness. But there are certain aspects of living with a chronic illness that are similar. That is why it is important for us all to connect with one another. The relationships that we form are important in that it will allow us to feel heard. Isolation, although a normal part of dealing with chronic illnesses, is not healthy and can lead to more maladaptive functioning.
I am currently unable to work due to the severity of my illness, but others may have to work even though they are sick every day. That can exacerbate the stress put on the individual and can increase the likelihood that symptoms will be more and more frequent. It is even more important for this person to take time out from each day and do something just for him/ her. Take a bath, read a book, relax and watch tv, spend time with a loved one, go see a movie with friends, get a massage, get a pedicure, talk with someone on the phone, meditate, do yoga, take dog for a walk....these are just some examples of things you can do to take care of yourself. You MUST make time for yourself daily. Even if it's 15 minutes. One of my favorite professors in graduate school always said "you must pencil yourself in in your planner." I always laughed at this way of putting it, but it's totally true!
If you have any ideas of self care that work for you, please comment and share them with us!
Have you set up a google alert for Behcets disease and Behcets syndrome. Hows i saw your blog. it updates whenever Behcets is wrote about in blogs, medical journals, medication trials etc. Great learning tool. My self care involves online classes for school(i feel i need to stay normal and also I love learning), guitar, listening to certain music based on my moods, throwing a baseball when my joints dont hurt to bad with a friend, anything that almost seems normal. One thing i thought was weird when i examined myself is think of when normal people set up reward systems. They buy things or travel etc and us with chronic illness our reward system is what get out of bed with a smile? be able to throw a baseball ten times? It is hard because we have to adapt and change our very thinking
ReplyDeleteI agree that you have to take some time for yourself...but when you feel bad or hurt it's hard to make yourself do anything at all... I know that I would benefit from a massage but that requires me getting up, getting myself presentable and driving somewhere...and after working all week, by the time Saturday gets here, I honestly often don't even feel like i can work up the energy to even brush my teeth...everything is such an effort...it's a vicious cycle...and that's why it's such an isolating illness to have.... Mandi, thank you for sharing your honest and raw story...it validates my feelings every single time I visit your blog. <3 Kristi
ReplyDeletethe fact you have an everyday think about that. I wish my everyday shut off and I was not even writing these words. kristi i hope nothing but good, but here there is no good although i try to share. I just know my reality and this new diagnosis. Anyone with our disease just be yourself. I wasnt myself and i dont have much left so.
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