A REFLECTION ON CHRONIC ILLNESSES
By William – for wheezingaway.com
(ALWAYS REMEMBER – A person without good breathing, is a person with a life of constant caution’, so let’s do what we can, to learn what we can, to improve what we can. – William)
As I continue my own walk-through life with a chronic illness, I continue working with the belief that those who have a constant battle with any chronic illness should always be on the mindset that educating themselves will never end!
In my on-going series, “Reflections”, I work to share materials which may help or benefit others in their own daily battels with whatever chronic illness and/or disability they may be walking with in their travels called life.
Sharing with you today as part of the six-part series of ‘Refletions’ referencing ‘GAINING STABILITY WITH CHRONIC ILLNESSES’, we talk about SOCIAL CONTACT.
Living with a chronic illness can make every day feel unpredictable. Symptoms shift, energy rises and falls, and routines can be disrupted in an instant.
One thing remains consistently important for ones emotional and mental stability – – SOCIAL CONTACT.
Isolation is already a heavy burden for many people. When you add severe asthma, COPD, fatigue, or any long-term condition on top of that, and the weight can become overwhelming.
When isolation deepens, depression often follows – and that combination can make managing your illness even harder.
That is why staying connected matters!!
WHY SOCIAL CONTACT HELPS YOU STAY STEADY!!
Even when you are not feeling your best, getting out – whether it’s a quick trip to the store, attending church, or visiting a friend – helps you stay grounded in the world around you.
As I wrote in my original reflection: “Getting out keeps one in touch with that feeling of being relevant to the rest of the world as it passes through the days.”
Social contact reminds you that your illness does not define your entire life. It keeps your mindset strong, your spirits lifted, and your sense of purpose intact.
SUPPORT GROUPS: A LIFELINE FOR CONNECTION!!
One of the most powerful ways to stay connected is through a support group. Sharing experiences with others who understand your daily battles can be life-changing. Support groups offer a place to:
Share your Story.
Learn from Others.
Ask Questions.
Offer Encouragement.
Feel Understand.
If you don’t have a group nearby, you could consider starting one. Reach out to your physician, pulmonologist, or respiratory therapist as they may know others who would benefit from connectings.
STEPPING OUT OF ISOLATION!!
Social contact doesn’t require big outings or large gatherings, it simply requires intentional connection!
A phone call, a short visit, a support meeting, or a walk with a friend can all help you reclaim a sense of belonging.
Whatever you decide to do, do not let yourself get that feeling of isolation, step out and step into the world of socializing!!
Staying connected is not just a luxury – it’s part of your STABILITY PLAN.
THIS REFLECTION HAS QUESTIONS:
What do you do to make sure you do not become isolated?
Do you have a support group or community you connect with?
Be sure to share your reflections or comments with wheezingaway.com, so that others can learn from your journey or travels with a chronic illness and/or disability.
SOMETHING WE ALWAYS STRESS – If you have a chronic illness and/or disease, then you must always stay attuned and alert to any and all new or previous knowledge that will offer any glimpses of hope and faith of getting through one’s own battles with that chronic illness and/or disease.
With that, I bid to all – smiles, prayers, blessings and steady breathing.
Good Day.
(EXTRA NOTE: Sometimes we share what may seem like medical information, but we are only giving descriptions and highlights of various aspects of living with a chronic illness and/or disease, and in no way do we ever want our information to be considered medical advice. If you have questions about what we have posted, then ask your physician and/or medical specialist about it.)
DISABILITIES DAILY 