When you are diagnosed with a chronic condition, such as heart disease, depression, arthritis, or cancer, it might bring up a range of feelings and questions, one of which is likely to be, “How will I manage this?”

 

Even though you might have been experiencing the physical symptoms for some time, the emotional impact of being diagnosed with a chronic ailment can cause feelings of panic, anxiety, and even disbelief.

 

Coming to terms with the fact that you have a condition that you will have to take care of for the rest of your life can, at times,  be really overwhelming.

 

Here, we look at some steps to help you take control of your chronic health condition.

 

 

Pain management

 

Participation in physical therapies (such as physiotherapy), and participation in additional therapies (such as cognitive behavioral therapy) may all be part of managing the pain associated with a chronic illness.

 

Medication for the alleviation of pain includes both over-the-counter 

medications and prescription medications, and it may also include complementary remedies.

 

There are also many treatments that do not involve the use of drugs that can assist you in managing your pain. It is common knowledge that multiple treatments and therapies, rather than just one, produce better overall results. Working with Hanid Audish DO may be eye-opening regarding pain management and other treatments for your chronic illness.

 

Protecting your mental health

 

Because the symptoms of a chronic condition, such as fatigue, aches, and pains, are not always visible, other people are not always able to appreciate the effects of the disease. Mental health can be negatively impacted not only by the physical symptoms of a condition but also by the restrictions placed on daily activities and the experience of living with ongoing discomfort.

 

Your anxiety and stress levels may increase if you worry or think adversely about potential outcomes, which will have a detrimental impact on your overall health. Some of the following are examples of ways to worry less:

 

• If you realize that you are beginning to worry about something, it is helpful to write down your worries and, more significantly, the potential outcomes, even if they are undesirable.

 

• Find out your prognosis and the possible outcomes, and you can feel like you have greater control over the situation.
• Have a conversation with a close friend, sign up for a support group, or seek the assistance of a mental health professional such a psychologist or psychiatrist. They will help you evaluate your concerns more objectively and rationally.
• Aim to engage your mind in a range of activities on a regular basis; assign yourself daily responsibilities and set aside time to read, go for a stroll, or watch a movie. Participate in mental exercises, such as solving puzzles or crosswords, to keep your mind sharp.

 

If you feel like your condition makes you feel emotionally overwhelmed when you’re at home, you need to talk to your primary care doctor or another qualified health care professional about how you’re feeling. When you have a long-term illness or a chronic condition, staying as healthy as possible will give you the best quality of life.