How to Deal Effectively With a Health Condition
The diagnosis of an ailment or disease can throw you off balance but the key is to prepare yourself mentally and adopt certain effective approaches to deal with the health condition rather than giving up.
We have a very distinct way of reacting to the news of any health condition. Whether it is ours or our loved ones’. It starts with shock, followed by exaggerated sympathy and gradually ends in pity. Even before we know the entire truth about the condition, we pass our verdict that there is no hope and it means the end.
Let’s take cancer for example. From the word go, cancer means doom. Agreed that this disease does disrupt the physical and mental well being of a person significantly, but there is another side to the cancer story. According to a US government based website, 69% of cancer survivors have lived over 5 years after diagnosis, 47% over 10 years and 18% over 20 years after diagnosis. And these numbers are for the United States alone. Globally they would be higher. We can go further and provide you more encouraging stats for other conditions like cardiovascular diseases, stroke, Parkinson’s etc. as well, but the point we will be making later will still be the same- Should you be laying your arms down to any health condition without putting up a fight or dealing with it?
You may argue that a serious disease can be a challenging and an overwhelming experience and it is difficult to come to terms with it, especially with the uncertainty of the future it brings. But we want you to know that while you may not be able to control the disease, you can surely control your response and approach to it. And this helps. In more ways than you realize.
Effective approaches to overcome a serious illness
1. Educate Yourself About the illness
One of the best ways to mentally fight a disease is to educate yourself about it. Learning about the medical condition and its treatment options can help you feel more in control of your situation and make informed decisions. Knowledge can also help you feel less anxious and more empowered.
Start by talking to your doctor or healthcare provider and asking questions about the disease, treatment options, and potential side effects. You can also research the disease online, but be careful to only use reputable sources of information. Look for reliable websites, such as those run by national health organizations or reputable medical centers.
2. Seek Support
Dealing with a serious ailment can be a lonely experience, but it’s important to remember that you don’t have to go through it alone. Seeking support from family, friends, and healthcare professionals can help you feel more connected and less isolated. Talking to others about your feelings, fears, and concerns can be cathartic and help you process your emotions. Support groups can also be a valuable resource for connecting with others who are going through similar experiences. In addition, many disease-specific organizations like assisted living facilities and rehabilitation centres offer support and resources for patients and their families.
3. Practice Self-Care
Self-care is essential when dealing with a medical ailment. Taking care of yourself can help you feel better both physically and mentally. This can include activities such as:
Getting enough rest: Rest is important for your body to heal and recover.
Eating a healthy diet: A balanced and nutritious diet can help you feel better physically and mentally.
Exercising regularly: Exercise can help reduce stress and improve mood.
Engaging in activities you enjoy: Doing things that make you happy can boost your mood and help you feel more positive. e.g listening to music, spending time with loved ones, painting etc.
4. Focus on the Present Moment
When dealing with a disease it’s easy to worry about the future and what might happen. However, focusing on the present moment can help you stay grounded and reduce anxiety. Mindfulness meditation or other relaxation techniques can be helpful in this regard.
Try to stay present and engaged in the moment. Focus on the things that you can control and let go of the things that you can’t. If you find yourself getting anxious or overwhelmed, take a few deep breaths and remind yourself that you are doing the best you can.
5. Find Meaning in the Experience
Finding meaning in the experience of dealing with an ailment can help you stay positive and motivated. This might involve volunteering, advocating for others with the same condition, or finding ways to help others going through similar experiences.
Consider what you can learn from your experience and how you can use it to help others. By finding meaning in your situation, you can turn it into something positive and empowering.
6. Maintain a Positive Attitude
Finally, maintaining a positive attitude can be a powerful tool in mentally fighting a disease. This doesn’t mean ignoring negative feelings or pretending everything is fine. Instead, it means focusing on the good things in your life, finding humor and joy where you can, and keeping up a fighting spirit.
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BY: Sukino
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