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by Rosalene M. Dixon, SmartNurse Advocate
The holidays are upon us and illness can often be called the “uninvited
guest”.Whether it’s a brain disorder or another malady, how do we incorporate
illness into the framework of our lives?No matter how unwelcome the “guest”, we,
the hosts and hostesses, can benefit from getting to know the nature of our
illness and shepherding “it” through our bodies, our relationships, and our
daily lives.
Are you and your illness or uninvited guest” ready for the holidays?
Do you know enough about your guest?
If not, perhaps you can:
- Communicate with your healthcare team
- Do some research at the library or online
- Contact people in a local or online support group like those offered by
T.H.E. BRAIN TRUST (visit www.braintrust.org/services/support).
Are your “guest's” needs being met, so you can continue to nurture yourself
and your loved ones within your lifestyle?
I've often found that when people can manage their illnesses successfully, they
balance their lifestyles. To prepare for the holidays or other stressful events,
consider how you might incorporate your illness or disability into the framework
of your life.
It’s not easy, and it takes time. It’s a process of integration. Plan to take
things step by step.
First, take a deep breath! Accepting illness, the "uninvited guest", into
our lives at any time of year is not easy. The added stress andexcitement
from the holidays can make it more difficult. However, learning to accept
the illness instead of ignoring it may help you to cope more successfully
in the long term. If the "guest" is not acknowledged, it may continue to
knock at your door louder and louder, becoming even more unpleasant.
This does not mean that you should accept your illness into your home and
serve it obediently. Not should you allow it to dictate how you live your
life. On the contrary, chronic illness can be accomodated and integrated
into your life as a patient or caregiver. When the unexpected comes
calling your fate is not sealed! You have options. Learning to accept that
the illness exists in your life can simply help you make the best personal
decisiions for your set of circumstances.
Know that there are many people out there in similar situations and you
can network with them in person or online.
Here are some goals for successful coping:
- Be well informed, organized and well rested
- Stock up on medication/treatment, support and understanding
- Learn to live independently with the services you need
- Build your self-esteeem and enjoy the esteem of others
- Maintain healthy relationships and advocate for yourself
- Nurture your "uninvited guest" in order to lessen the impact of
illness on your lifestyle.
When you begin to achieve these goals, you may discover you can easily
manage illness, balance your lifestyle and realize dreams.
HAPPY and HEALTHFUL HOLIDAYS!
From The SmarthNurse Advocate
Rosalene M. Dixon, MS, RNC, NP, PA-C, is a consumer advocate working to
help people with illness and disability facilitate life improvements,
manage illness and balance their lifestyles.
Email her.
She also
coordinates our
Boston area online peer support group for women over-coming
disability.
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