Mental health problems often co-exist with chronic illnesses. This was true for me while living with cystic fibrosisAnd it still is, four years after my double lung transplant. I have battled anxiety and depression all my life and in recent years have dealt with post-traumatic stress.
awareness is helpful, but having tools to manage these conditions is crucial. The following is a checklist that has helped me stay on track with my mental and emotional health. I hope it will also help other people living with chronic illnesses.
The first step is to assess how you feel mentally and emotionally. Get in tune with yourself and ask yourself, “Am I able to operate calmly, well-rested, and energized and access resources? Or am I easily triggered, exhausted and barely holding on? be honest with ourselves it is the first step to change what is not working.
It is necessary to be demanding with what you feed your mind. Ask yourself, “What am I seeing? Who am I talking to? What shows, movies, or music am I listening to? How much news am I ingesting? All of this affects the way we think, feel and act.
Making an honest assessment of how you spend your time is important to your overall well-being. Is your time full of stressful and frustrating tasks, or things that bring you joy and peace? Sometimes we fill every minute with activities, social media, or entertainment to escape our reality. We numb or avoid dealing with our feelings. It’s healthy to prioritize what makes you feel good and make time for mental wellness, self-care, and time with loved ones.
Set clear limits on your time and energy. Saying yes to everyone and everything doesn’t make someone a good person, it just makes them drained, exhausted, and ineffective. Saying no to people, work, or demands when necessary is healthy. It communicates that we are human and gives others permission to be human too. Because those of us with chronic illnesses have limited time and energy, protecting these valuable assets is crucial.
Identify effective tools to manage mental health problems. This will look different for everyone. Develop coping strategies, talking to a therapistand feeding all parts of ourselves (mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual) is healthy.
Balance is everything. We can’t keep going 100 mph and pissing off others without getting anything in return. We are not Jesus. We are human beings who need connection, support and rest. We have permission to receive care from others, rely on our support people, and take breaks when needed.
Don’t compare yourself to anyone else. Comparison negatively affects our mental health. It robs us of joy, peace, and self-confidence, and does not help us prosper or grow. It plants seeds of self-doubt, lowers self-esteem, and prevents us from being fully ourselves. Solidify your identity as valued, loved, and unique. This is how we can operate from a place of knowing that we are enough.
Change is possible regardless of your individual situation. If you make a single change today, think about how it will affect you a week, a month, or a year from now. It is important to make time to take care of our mental and emotional well-being.
Mental health is just as important as physical health. Because the mind-body connection is real, we need to make sure we keep both under control.
You are not alone in your struggles. There is no shame in asking for help. It is possible to control symptoms and improve mental health. Hold on to hope!
Note: Cystic Fibrosis News Today is strictly a disease news and information website. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Cystic Fibrosis News Today or its parent company, BioNews, and are intended to generate discussion on issues related to cystic fibrosis.
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