The beginning of a new year is always a time for reflection. You look back, you look ahead and you try to find the big picture. For patients living with chronic health conditions, a new year can be an opportunity to implement and share lessons learned along the way – about how to cope, manage symptoms, find support, maintain perspective and much more.
Here are a few pieces of advice from members of our Mental Health and Behavior Community in response to the thought-provoking question, “What do you wish you could tell yourself 10 years ago?”
- Guilt drains your energy and doesn't accomplish anything. Let it go.
- Take your meds as prescribed for your sake - and your family's.
- Don't like your provider? Trust your instincts and find a good one.
- Just taking a shower or going on a walk can make you feel better.
- Pick up the phone. Only you can break the cycle of self-isolating.
- Things can get better with the right treatments and care team.
- Get help if you're self-medicating with alcohol, drugs or self-harm.
- Remember, you're not crazy or lazy - you have a chronic disease.
- If you're unable to keep working, apply for disability right away.
- Be kind and patient with yourself because life is hard enough as is.