[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.
Hey @wooli3 !
Welcome to ReachOut, it's great that you can share your experiences with us! The sessions at the MS society sounds great!
stuff it's probably important not to say is: "feel better" or you'll get better!
the thing with chronic illness is that it is long term and while we'd love to just "BE BETTER" or "GET BETTER" we can't always do that when we want to.
hahaha @lanejane that picture is... Intense to say the least 😛
Shock, anger, jump to the worse possible conclusions (so many people Google their condition the moment they get their diagnosis which does nothing to help), self doubt (will I be able to get through this) and just general worry
jumping to conclusions... so true. @ErinsAntics never even thought about that until just then. but something i often do!
i find out bad news and im like OMG MY LIFE IS GOING TO BE SHIT FOREVER.... but really, it's not!!!
it's just me freaking out and not thinking rationally.
I think there are times when you really notice the struggle. For me I really noticed my Dyspraxia when I was sitting my drivers test and during PE at school. I also notice my anxiety during new situations and there are days when it will flare up.
@ErinsAntics good point. sometimes an illness can show up unexpecdetly when we are trying new things... or it can just flare up at times when it feels like it.
how tough is that? means we need to have some good coping mechanisms in place i think....
What are common reactions when someone who has been diagnosed with an illness and why might they experience these reactions?
- Worried
- Scared
- Angry
- Curious
- Stressed
- Anxious
They might experience these reactions and more because they are uneducated or uncertain about their future with their illness or how it will affect them.
I see a pysch regulary for my anxiety and for my Dyspraxia I just remind myself that its not my fault and focus on what I can do. The surgery has fixed my speech but not my co-ordination and I am also on medication for my anxiety which really helps.
I think these emotions like sadness and worry may be a reaction to the unknown in a large part. And potentially even a reaction to the stigma of illness in general.
it sounds like a few of us on here have experience with illness - of all different sorts. it's cool that we can come together and talk about it though. i bet it wasn't always this easy to connect with others sharing similar experiences!
Some illnesses that I can think of are mental illnesses like depression or anxiety! These can be long-term and life changing for a lot of people.
Also I think of illnesses like cancer, diabetes, epilepsy and even asthma!
Found this pic which I rekon seems pretty relevant!
Did any of our RO users watch Jordan's story (video posted above)?
I found it really interesting. It affected a lot of Jordan's life and schooling but she seems like such a strong person.
so true @OrangeOliver - some of the most crucial stuff goes unnoticed and its important to make sure we are aware of any changes in our mood of physical self.
