10 Ways To Stay Positive When You've Been Diagnosed With A Chronic Illness

The second list from I NEED MORE SPOONS, written by it's author and not by BuzzFeed.

I Need More Spoons

In April of this year I was diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome aka POTS. (What is POTS? Click here to find out)

It was a complete shock and I knew my life was about to change; it was extremely hard at first (some days are still tougher than others) but I knew I couldn't let it bring me down. That's when I decided to take charge and turn my diagnosis into good by raising awareness through my blog.

Here are my tips on how to stay positive when you have been diagnosed with a chronic illness. Please note: these are only my opinions and not professional advice.

Have any other tips? Please share them in the comments :)

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1. Always be honest with yourself, your friends and family

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Be honest with yourself and everyone around you about your diagnosis. I know that this is easier said than done, but accepting your diagnosis and telling the people you care about (who also care about you!) is the best thing you can do. Those who love you will be there for you every step of the way!

And if people cannot accept the changes you are about to make, or cannot understand why, how or what it is you are going through, then perhaps take a step back and concentrate on looking after the most important person in all of this: you!

2. Find your happy place

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I don't mean to sound all 'peace and love man' with this one, but when you find your happy place (the place where you feel most comfortable in your surroundings) it will make your days a whole lot easier. For me, I loved sitting in my back garden. Even when it was overcast, cold and I had to use a wheelchair to get around, I would wheel myself outside and enjoy the fresh air against my face. This was where I felt most at peace. I would close my eyes and just focus on the sounds of every day life surrounding me.

Even now, I sit out in my garden when I need a few moments alone to reflect on things and escape everything.

3. Get creative!

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It seems a little cliche, and is one of the most common therapeutic suggestions for those with chronic illnesses, but it really does help. I've always been an overly creative person, even before my diagnosis. But one of the best decisions I ever made was to start my blog. It started off as something pretty small, in the hope I would assist my friends and family with understanding my illness better... but it suddenly ignited a passion inside of me that I never knew existed. If it wasn't for POTS, I would never have started writing again or realised what my true passion in life is. After many years of umming and ahhing, I now know that I want to be a writer and am pursuing that dream by enrolling in an Advanced Diploma of Professional Writing in 2016.

So start a project, even if it's only small. Colour in (I highly recommend the Colouring-For-Adults books), draw, paint, write, sing or bake something delicious. It will help you through each day and may even awaken a passion that you never realised (or had forgotten!) you had!

4. Listen to your favourite band or watch your favourite film/TV show

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Music is scientifically proven to make you happy. It enlightens you and excites you; I always turn to music when I am sad, happy, angry or lonely. It lifts my spirits and I often find myself lost amongst the lyrics of my favourite songs.

Films and TV are also proven to lift your mood - nothing beats putting on your favourite film and snuggling up in your PJs, something most of us with Chronic Illness often do anyway.

Even if you've seen your favourite film over 100 times, watch it again!

Do whatever makes YOU feel happy.

5. Join a support group (online or in person)

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A truly significant thing I did during the early days of my diagnosis was joining a Facebook support group. It was reassuring to know that I wasn't alone in my fight. People in support groups are understanding, supportive, informative and always there when you need advice.

The most helpful information I have ever received is through these groups, and there are so many of them to join!

6. Listen to your body

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If your body is telling you to rest, then rest. If it allows you to walk around the garden, then walk around the garden. If it's telling you to stay in bed today, then stay in bed. It's as simple as that.

Once you accept your limitations and listen to your body, your days will become a lot easier. It may mean adjusting and scheduling your day around what your body can handle, but if it means less discomfort (and embarrassment) for you, then it is 100% worth it!

7. Make a plan for each day

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I guess for some, this may be a little more difficult - all depending on what diagnosis you have been given. For me, I sat down and thought of a plan for each day. I structure my morning based on the fact that I feel my best in the earliest part of each day and ensure I have little to do in the afternoon when the fatigue kicks in.

Having a plan helps me feel more organised and makes booking Doctors appointments much easier. I even have a meal plan written down for the week, so that my Husband knows if there is anything he can do to assist me with preparing dinner. Being this organised may seem a little crazy for those who are used to (& enjoy) the unexpected, but I think structure becomes an important element of every day life when you have a chronic illness.

It also prevents less stress, especially when you have brain fog and forget everything... which is a bonus!

8. Research your condition - become a walking, talking encyclopedia on your illness/es

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This is extremely important for those with Chronic Illnesses. Many chronic conditions are rare, misdiagnosed and/or not known at all (or a combination of all three!).

I leave most appointments feeling as though I have just given the Doctor/Specialist an education in POTS. At first this was really intimidating and a little scary, but as time has passed, it is a benefit to know so much about my own condition. I now know that if a Doctor doesn't agree with me, (when I know the information I have to be correct) I just have to find someone else.

It also pays to know a lot about your condition when you begin an online blog/support group! It can definitely help raise awareness when you have the right information!

9. Treat yourself

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Many patients don't feel good about themselves anymore - especially when leaving the house or even their own bed becomes a challenge. In the first month of my illness, I couldn't find the energy to make myself 'look nice'. I gave up with make-up, styling my hair and couldn't even find the energy to shower some days.

But when I started getting a little bit of that energy back, I sat and did my make-up, painted my nails, did my hair, got myself some face masks and relaxed in a (warm) bubble bath. It actually made a huge difference to the way I felt mentally AND physically...

So if you can; pamper yourself! Even if it's just at home- paint your nails a new colour, style your hair differently or pop on some red lipstick. You'll feel fabulous for it, I promise!

10. Hug your pet

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Seriously.... pets are the best ever. They will fill you with so much joy, never argue back, question your illness or call you a liar. They cuddle you when you're lonely and make you laugh when you're sad.

If you don't have a pet, then I highly suggest getting one... or borrowing the neighbour's cat for a quick cuddle! :)