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While you might be lucky enough not to have many colds, stomach bugs or viruses because your day to day immune system is relatively strong, this doesn’t mean that you won’t be affected by a chronic condition. Chronic health problems might not be life threatening, massively painful or obvious to those around you, but they can be debilitating and affect your quality of life. As such, they can affect your mental well being and your mood. Take a look at the things you can do to maintain a more positive outlook on life even when dealing with a chronic health condition.
Take Your Mind Off Your Health Problem
It doesn’t matter whether you have a niggle in your back, tinnitus ringing in your ears or psoriasis on your arms, it can be hard to maintain a positive frame of mind. You might be able to get hearing aids to help with your tinnitus, painkillers to alleviate your back ache and steroid cream to combat psoriasis. However, because these conditions are chronic, they are never cured and can flare up when you least expect. This can make you live in constant fear of your condition.
To take your mind away from your health, it might be a good idea to try something new to focus your thoughts on something life enhancing and happy. You might want to enroll in a life drawing class, sign up for an initial taster lesson to learn the piano, or you might want to learn a new language. When you are in pain or struggling with your ailment, knowing that your class, lesson or new activity is on the horizon can lift your mood.
Be Social
While you might not feel like heading out and being a social butterfly when your face is looking blotchy or your knee is particularly stiff, it is wise to stay as social as possible. Your friends will understand what you are going through and will be an important support network to you. They know what makes you laugh, what can take your mind off things and how to help you have a good time. A simple coffee with pals or dinner out with family can lift your spirits. For those two hours or so, you might not feel any pain or even think about your condition because you are enjoying the company of others. It is the getting out of the front door that is the hard part. But once you are out, you are guaranteed to enjoy yourself.
Maintain Treatments
It can be difficult when suffering from a chronic condition not to feel like a nuisance when visiting your doctor. However, if you have a good relationship with your medical specialist, they will understand what makes you tick and how your condition affects you. If you feel like you are continually being fobbed off, then you need to find a new doctor. Converse with your doctor and ensure that you maintain a treatment regimen. If something isn’t working, change it. Feel empowered enough to speak frankly with your doctor. They will want to help you, and will want to find the treatment plan personalized to you.
Suffering from a chronic condition can be tough especially when you know there is no cure. However, life can still be worthwhile and happy and fun if you follow this guide and find ways to lift your mood.
*contributed post*
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