Getting diagnosed with a chronic illness transforms your life completely.

Even before you got your diagnosis, you knew something wasn’t quite right but nothing could have prepared you for hearing it out loud by a professional.

In a way, getting diagnosed is a relief because you can finally put a name to all the symptoms you’ve experienced so far. 

You finally know what’s happening and can take some action.

But how can someone deal with the emotional rollercoaster of accepting the chronic illness and the constant threats it brings in order to form a life of meaning and fulfillment despite challenges?

I’m sharing 4 steps you can take immediately to move on with your life and not be defined by your condition.

First step: Accept

After being diagnosed, you probably felt scared, unsure of what the future brings, confused as to why this is happening to you, and worried about how others will react.

As if that wasn’t enough, you also start obsessing over getting your health back.

Naturally, you start prioritizing yourself and your needs which might come off as being selfish and push people further away. 

The illness becomes the number 1 problem and priority for you. 

The only way you are going to let yourself be happy again is by finding a cure to your disease. Right?

Well, not really. We can become so hard on ourselves and put unnecessary additional pressure on something that is already bearing a heavy weight.

Instead, accept that things will be different at least for now. And that is okay. 

You have a chance to build your new self whose going to be kind and understanding of your own needs.

Realize that illness is a part of life and therefore a part of you.

It is not your enemy, and you are not a victim. Your condition might be there to teach you something. It can help you learn, grow and potentially help others who are diagnosed with the same illness.

I’m sure that waking up sick one day with chronic conditions was not in any of your plans. So you are allowed to be sad.

But remember that your attitude and your approach is the only thing you have full control over.

Second step: Define your purpose

I believe natural happiness comes when you can wake up every single day with a purpose. 

Whether it’s working out first thing in the morning for your health, journaling, meditating, starting a business around your vision, helping others, going to work…

Decide on your purpose and go all in. Work on yourself and show up every single day. Seeing and feeling progress is where the real happiness is because we are evolving humans and we naturally seek progress.

It’s important to learn and grow in small incremental ways. We have to see ourselves do a little bit better than yesterday.

It has also been scientifically proven that if you are able to focus on a better future and have greater choice or will, this can be helpful in coping with the new life situation.^[1]

Start asking yourself every day: What can I learn today that’s going to make tomorrow’s me happier?

Be courageous and take action. Take ownership and control of your life again.

Third step: Relax

I know it can be hard but try not to worry and stress about your situation. Here are some ideas for mind-body wellness as they can bring your emotions into balance:

1. Breathing exercise – Incorporate simple deep breathing exercises into your everyday routine that will help you ground yourself.
2. Guided imagery – Imagine yourself in a setting that helps you feel calm and relaxed. There are many resources on Youtube that you can use.
3. Progressive muscle relaxation – Tense and relax each muscle group to reduce anxiety and muscle tension. If you have trouble falling asleep, this method may also help with sleep problems.
4. Laughter/ humor – Laugh! It makes life richer and healthier. Laughter increases creativity, reduces pain, and speeds healing.

Fourth step: Seek support

Support from your close circle of family and friends is going to be vital in coping with a chronic illness. But by seeking outside help from people with the same or similar conditions you won’t feel you’re going through this alone. 

There probably is some form of a community around your type of illness who are willing to support and help you feel understood.

Not to mention the importance of the support of doctors and other types of health care practitioners who have a great chance to heal you. 

It’s always recommended to seek other opinions, do your own research, and find a community of people dealing with similar issues to support you in your healing process.

Conclusion

Remember that no one has it completely figured out. We are all learning as we go. 

There is no one way of dealing with or accepting a chronic illness and your way should feel good to you and fulfill your own needs.

It’s important to listen to your mind and body as you explore the path to your best self.

So be gentle with yourself while you find your balance.