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[CHAT] The sickness
Illness is such a broad term, but it's something that affects us all at one point or another. On Monday 13th of July at 8pm, Getting Real is going to be focusing on, and the impact on life. A chronic illness is any medical condition that lasts a long time, and subsequently they require ongoing maintenance and support. Examples include diabetes, asthma, and epilepsy but can also be depression, anxiety or bipolar if the illness is complex, ongoing and impacts your day-to-day functioning.
Young people can be affected by illness not just by having it, but also through secondary means by supporting and caring for others. Having a good support network is so important when it comes to chronic illnesses and we can't forget about the impact of the illness on friends and family. More and more, young people are becoming the main carers of a parent or family member with a chronic illness.
Whilst I am fortunate enough to have not personally experienced any major illness, anyone can develop chronic diseases. Some celebrities have even shared their experiences with chronic illness.
Michael J. Fox (Back to the Future star), at just 30 years of age, was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, a neurological disorder that affects a person's ability to walk and move.
Ruby Rose has had depression "for more years than I can remember."
Even Kim Kardashian lives with a chronic disease, Psoriasis. It is an autoimmune disease, meaning the condition results from the immune system attacking the body's own cells, rather than foreign invaders.
The point is people can learn to live with a chronic illness, rather than be defined by it. Chronic illnesses often change people’s lives - sometimes dramatically, sometimes slowly over time. It’s not just the physical or mental condition that people have to manage – it’s their whole life. Sufferers of chronic illness ride a rollercoaster of emotional changes, social changes, and environmental changes. Gaining treatment, education, and support are therefore crucial factors for individuals who are suffering, you don’t have to ride the metaphorical rollercoaster alone.
In the mean time, check out Jordan’s story to ReachOut regarding living with chronic illness, and how she effectively coped and got through her situation.
Whether you suffer from a chronic illness, support someone who is, or like me, just want to find out more, join us on Monday 13 July at 8pm, AEST! We’ll be chatting about everything regarding illness, including experience, diagnosis, coping, management, and support.
9. What is one thing about illness you have learnt from tonight?
You aren't alone, there are people on reach out you can talk to about illness.
9. What is one thing about illness you have learnt from tonight?
Something cool I learnt (other than info of a few illnesses i'd never heard of before) is that despite what we are each going through individually, we can all come together as a group.
It was awesome that we each could relate to each other tonight, even though we all have different experiences with illness or caring for someone with an illness.
8. What about if you are caring for someone with an illness, where might you go for support?
online forums mostly
7. Where might you go for support if you were suffering from an illness?
(Can be professional or unprofessional!)
I used to use tumblr and my tumblr followers as support. But these days it's mostly my mum or psych haha
There is often support groups for family and loved ones of those with a chronic illness. There can be camps for kids, weekly support groups
So as the metaphorical sun sets on another GR session, I just wanted to say it's been a pleasure to hear all the stories you have had to share!
Final question!
9. What is one thing about illness you have learnt from tonight?
AND WITH THAT LAST QUESTION COMING TO AN END... I WOULD LIKE TO SAY THANKS TO EVERYONE FOR COMING TONIGHT
Tonight we have spoken about dealing with illness and positive ways you can manage unexpected diagnosis. We have discussed what some negative coping mechanisms might look like such as withdrawing from friends or family, smoking, substance misuse (etc) and where you can get support such as from friends, family, doctors, peer support groups or even carer helplines!
There’s no doubt about the fact that dealing with a chronic illness can SUCK, but we also know now that there are some things we can do to make ourselves feel better. Self-care is SUPER important! And sometimes talking through your experiences or feelings with those around you can make you feel like some weight has been lifted off your shoulders.
Remember:
We really appreciate everyones involvement tonight and thank you for sharing some of your personal experiences with us.
We’d love everyone to share some more ideas on our new coping strategy and distraction thread! Let’s count to a million… and one! http://forums.au.reachout.com/t5/Everyday-life-stuff/1000001-COPING-STRATEGIES/m-p/142899#U142899
(woo hoo!)
For anyone who would like further reading on illness or chronic illness check out the below links from RO:
http://au.reachout.com/living-with-chronic-illness
http://au.reachout.com/what-is-coping
http://au.reachout.com/building-better-coping-skills
http://au.reachout.com/emergency-help
And remember medical information is also available at www.healthdirect.org.au or you can seek medical information using the following phone numbers:
- NSW Call - 1800 022 222
- Victoria call - 1300 60 60 24
- QLD - 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84)
@FootyFan26 it's a website and app for pictures basically.
you post photos of things you like and can pin other things you like.
I THINK.
i've only used it once and need to use it again!
9. What is one thing about illness you have learnt from tonight?
That illnesses are generalised and that there are many different ways to deal with having an illness yourself and supporting people with an illness.
Also - sort of related to the last question...
8. What about if you are caring for someone with an illness, where might you go for support?
8. What about if you are caring for someone with an illness, where might you go for support?
Same really
- Friends
- Fsmily
- Forums
- Teachers
- Psychologists
- Counselors
- Call a helpline
- Use support websites
- GPs to get advice
I'm pretty sure that SANE has a carer forum for people supporting someone with a mental illness.
Blueboard is also one for carers of people with depression
http://www.blueboard.anu.edu.au
Not sure if we have any people who are full time carers on the forum tonight? I'm sure they would have some more ideas. But of course friends and family are always great supports for anyone. And psychologists - sometimes carers need someone to chat to, too!
6. What might be some healthier ways to manage a diagnosis or ongoing illness?
Therapy, self care, exercise, open communication with family and friends, concentrating on what you're passionate about.