Coping with Chronic Illness - How to Maintain Positive Outlook

Whether you’re in constant pain or dealing with a prognosis that’s getting you down, it’s often hard to have a positive outlook when you have a chronic illness.

People telling you to think positively probably doesn’t help, especially when they aren’t able to relate to your specific situation. But, it’s important to understand that positivity can indeed help when you’re struggling.

The power of positivity is a huge benefit to many people. When you take the time to build and maintain a positive outlook, you may find that your illness and the associated symptoms feel less overwhelming.

So, how can you keep a positive attitude even as you’re coping with chronic illness?

Be Aware of Negative Thinking

One of the first things you can do to maintain a positive outlook is to be aware of your own negative thoughts. Negative self-talk can do a lot of damage. Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to catch ourselves thinking negatively, especially when we’re used to doing it often.

Try to be more aware of your thoughts, in general. Then, when you have a negative thought about yourself or your outlook seems glum, think about this thought and it's impact. Is it 100% accurate, or are you jumping to conclusions? Is is based mostly on the discomfort and discouragement you are feeling? Does this thought make you want to withdraw from others, push through your fatigue or pain when you likely need a break, or other behavioral choice that is likely to make you feel worse?

For example, if you’ve been in a lot of pain today, your thoughts might instantly gravitate to things like “everything is too hard,” or “why me?”. Instead, try to remind yourself that you don’t feel that same pain every day. You can be grateful for days without such extreme pain, and you can be grateful for the people around you who support you. Days with greater pain levels require you to step back and make adjustments and engage in more self-care.

This change in thinking doesn’t always come easily. It takes effort and time. But, the more you do it, the easier it will become.

Focus On the Small Victories

When you’re dealing with a chronic illness, you may tend to focus on the big picture. That feels overwhelming. Instead, focus on small victories every day.

For example, a positive outlook can help you realize that maybe you have less pain today than yesterday. Maybe you’re not feeling sick today and can enjoy a walk in the park. Or, perhaps you could do something as simple as cook a meal for yourself today when you couldn’t the day before.

These “little victories” add up quickly. They can do a lot for your self-esteem and motivation.

Do Things You Enjoy

One way to combat negativity is to surround yourself with things and activities that bring you pleasure. You might not be able to do everything you enjoy, depending on your illness. But, you can surely find something to do that you have always loved.

This may also be a time to discover new hobbies and interests you never tried before. It can be like going clothes or shoe shopping - things can look good on the rack, but not be a good "fit" until you try them on yourself and see what works for you. Prior interests may not "fit" your current energy and stamina right now, and new interests in things can provide a fresh experience and perspective.

It could be something like getting outside for a picnic or reading a good book by a fire. Watch your favorite movie, or eat your favorite dinner. Give yourself things to look forward to often. It’s hard to think of everything in such a negative light when you actively do things you enjoy.

Develop a Support System

The same goes for the people in your life. Surround yourself with support. If you have people around you who engage you negatively or constantly bring you down with judgment, expectations, or demands, your emotional wellbeing may suffer significantly. Eventually, your physical strength and stamina will be impacted due to the stress as well.

Instead, surround yourself with people who will lift you up. Optimism, encouragement, reliability, and knowledgeable support are key. The community of people in your life can make all the difference in how you view your chronic illness and respond to the daily struggles that can come with it.

“Staying positive” might just sound cliche. It takes time, and it isn’t always easy to do. Positivity takes effort and direction. But, when you’re able to put positivity into practice, you can start to feel a lot better – emotionally and physically. Please contact me soon and let’s start the process together.

Where can I seek help?

If you’re still struggling to maintain a positive outlook, feel free to contact me. We can work together every step of the way so that you can find more ways to improve your positive mindset as you go through the challenges of your condition.

I know how stressful and demanding it can be to make changes in your life, but you don’t have to figure it out on your own. Some of the benefits of individual therapy include:

Having a safe, confidential space to work through life’s struggles
Speaking openly with a highly-trained professional
Learning to be curious about oneself and become more mindful about your choices
Identifying relationship patterns that are helpful, or existing patterns that are interfering with your growth and wellbeing.
I offer online therapy (video conference style of therapy), which provides increased level of comfort as you could meet with me from the privacy and comfort of your own home or other location.

Find out more about me at my website, subscribe to my Blog, Like and Follow me on Facebook, or Contact Me with an email at DrJT@CreativeSolutionsBehavioralHealth.com. I’d love to hear from you!

Book Appointment with Jennifer Tzoumas

You can request a specific appointment time that fits your schedule. Once confirmed, you can complete all New Patient Intake paperwork online as well.

*** The tips offered in this article are for general information and should not be considered medical or psychological advice. For more personalized recommendations appropriate to your individual situation, please contact us or obtain professional guidance.

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