When you don’t feel well physically, it’s hard to see others living their lives while you feel you are at a standstill. Even though you may not be able to plan too far ahead, believing in a future that is not filled with pain and suffering is vital to manage the isolation that comes with illness. We all take a lot for granted until we can’t. The little things we don’t bother to think about become really important when choices are limited.
Focusing and looking for the choices you do have is the way to empower yourself. Knowing and identifying these choices are the first step in moving forward. Perhaps you physically just can’t do something you used to do, but you can do something RIGHT NOW in this present moment. What do you need to do NOW?? What choices are right in front of you??
Finding ways to make the present moment fuller, more meaningful and engaging can be a challenge for anyone. We all spend so much of our thinking either in the past or the future that we lose the power of living in the present moment. If you are able to connect with someone or something that is right in front of you, your sense of isolation can be reduced. Even if you can’t do that one thing you were wishing or hoping to do, what can you do? Focusing on what is missing or wrong, you will not be able to see what is available.
Often unfortunately illness can bring physical pain and discomfort. It is all too easy to get caught up in thinking that it will never end or change and create feelings of fear, helpless and hopelessness. Trying to find some way to distract yourself- focusing on your breath or trying some relaxation techniques may be one helpful way to reduce the intensity. Being on top of the pain and using your medication as directed by your physician can increase a sense of personal power. Just feeling that you have some measure of control can reduce the anxiety and fear which makes pain seem even worse.
Know yourself- are you someone who does better alone when you are feeling poorly or do you need someone to support you? If you can identify what you need, then you can ask for it. As the patient, you must let others know what you need because they cannot read your mind. No matter how much others care, they can’t know what you are thinking unless you tell them.
Isolating yourself too much can lead to feeling more powerless. Yes, illness can be lonely, but what is the best healing path for you right now? Identify the What Do I Need To Do NOW rather than focusing on What IF . Check out the “Dragon of Fear” video on the home page for a tool to help. Focusing on the present and identifying what you are telling yourself about what is happening now can bring a greater sense of control.
