Physical health issues and feeling different
‘A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.’
– Christopher Reeve
Most of us take our health for granted until something happens and we no longer have the freedom we did not realise we had before.
In most cases, the diagnosis that you have a disease or a chronically illness comes out of the blue and is a shock for you and those around you. You might find yourself asking ‘Why me?’, ‘Where did this come from?’ or ‘Am I dying, how long do I have to live?’. And usually there are no satisfactory answers. All of a sudden, your life seems to be falling apart, things that used to matter become irrelevant. As you gather more information about your condition and how to manage it, your emotions may shift. The initial fear or shock could gradually evolve into frustration and sadness as well as confusion and stress.
You may feel like you are no longer the same person you once were. There could be moments of embarrassment or shame. But with time, the illness will become a part of you and you will learn to live with it. It will gradually become your new normal. From my own experience living with someone who has Type 1 Diabetes, I know that accepting the illness as part of your new normal is the hardest and most challenging thing to do. It can be a very long journey on a very bumpy road. Sometimes you will take one step forward and two steps back. It is perfectly natural to feel overwhelmed by the lifestyle adjustments you have to make. I think that besides getting the right medical treatment and finding a medical team you feel comfortable with, it is just as important to be kind to yourself, and to understand that adaptation is an ongoing process. It is just as important for you to talk to people about your illness as it is for people around you to ask you questions about your condition. Sharing your story here will help others to understand what it means to live with a (chronical) illness. And it will give others who are going through the same the confidence that they are not the only ones.
You are not alone
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Sharing your story will help others to realise that they are not alone in their journey. It might also encourage them to share their own story. And It is a chance for you to meet your mind mate. If someone wants to get in touch with you we will check with you first before connecting you.