If you’ve been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, you most likely experience not only physical symptoms, but also emotional and psychological symptoms as well. Life itself can be complicated, and trying to manage a chronic illness on top of it can feel very overwhelming. You may think it’s impossible to live a life that isn’t dictated by your disease, but I’m here to tell you it is possible!
After years of managing my own illness, I want to share seven tips to help you get on top of your physical and psychological symptoms. Start getting control of your auto-immune disease today!
1. Just because you don’t have physical symptoms doesn’t mean something isn’t wrong
“Treat the disease, not the symptoms” - Randy Pausch
If you don’t have physical symptoms but medical tests show you have inflammation or other internal issues, something is wrong. Many diseases don’t have physical symptoms but need medication (ex. High cholesterol). Autoimmune diseases normally have symptoms, but even if you don’t it doesn’t mean the disease is not progressing.
2. Find the best doctor who specializes in your disease
"Your dreams don’t work unless you do." - John C Maxwell
Many people think it’s important for their doctors to connect with them emotionally and psychologically. Unfortunately some of the best doctors have been desensitized and see so many patients they don’t have the energy to devote to understanding some of the emotional consequences your disease has had on you. However, if they are the best in their field then they should be treating you. If you need help navigating the emotional consequences of your disease, you should seek a therapist you connect with because it’s their job to help you manage your psychological well-being.
3. Redefine your relationship with your disease
“As long as you make an identity of yourself our of your pain, you cannot be free of it” - Eckhart Tolle
Our minds have far more power over our physical well-being than we think. Like I mentioned earlier, I believe everyone, especially those with autoimmune diseases or any type of disease, should seek a therapist. You should take care of your mind like you take care of your body, and you don’t realize the emotional toll these types of symptoms and diseases can have on you.
When I was 13 and told I was “sick” I thought something very big and very bad was wrong with you. For years I ignored symptoms and accepted the pain of my disease as normal life. My entire life become managing my symptoms.
Before my therapist I defined myself as my disease. It was a huge part of my life. With the help of my therapist I developed a healthier relationship to Crohn’s. Today I have Crohns’ like I have hair and they both need maintenance. No big deal!
4. Western medicine can be the right answer
“The only mistake you can make is not asking for help” - Sandeep Jauhar
Western medicine was created for a reason and can be extraordinarily beneficial, allowing you to live a life without debilitating symptoms. There is a lot of pressure in today’s society, especially in the wellness and health community, to never use western medicine and to use food and exercise as nature’s medicine. As a Health coach, I agree with this sentiment.
However, I do think there is a time and a place for Western medication. If you’ve done everything you can to control your disease with diet, exercise, stress relief and naturopathic methods and you can’t, it may be time to get help from a western doctor (while continuing your healthy lifestyle to support it). If you do find the best doctor for your disease and they do recommend medication, make sure you analyze the 1) side effect profile of the drug and 2) how it may impact your lifestyle. You always want to choose a drug with the least side effects. If the drugs have a similar profile, look at your lifestyle and which drug may make the most sense for you.
5. Never stop taking care of yourself (eat well, work out, destress)
“Food has the power to heal us. It is the most potent tool we have to help prevent and treat many of our chronic diseases” - Dr. Mark Hyman
If you do decide to use any type of medication, don’t take advantage of it. Medication is a supplement to support your healthy lifestyle. Take care of yourself every single day while viewing your medication as a safety precaution. Even though I may not have to, I still restrict gluten, dairy, and processed foods. I work out 6+ days a week, and am passionate about stress relief techniques. I know this helps minimize my symptoms and support the success of my current medication. Hopefully one day I won’t have to be on any drugs, but today I am and I’m happy and healthy because of it.
6. Find YOUR happy and healthy balance
“Happiness is not a goal. It is a byproduct of a life well lived” - Eleanor Roosevelt
Health can be confusing. Some people think of health exclusively as what we eat, how much we workout, and how many hours we sleep. In order to reach optimum health, we need to address not only sleep, nutrition and exercise, but also and possibly more importantly, we need to address our stress levels, relationships, career, and deeper spirituality fulfillment. Each person is different. As a result, a healthy and happy balance for each of us will look different.
After years of self reflection and introspection, I’ve learned how important finding my own version of balance is. For example, I know if I don’t spend time with my family or friends, I won’t be happy. Sometimes that may mean skipping out on the gym or eating something unhealthy and grabbing a glass of wine with friends. That doesn’t mean I’m unhealthy. Relaxation and enjoyment with the people we love is as important to being healthy as working out and eating healthy food.
Take the time to find out what your version of balance is.
7. Remember, everyone has something
“Be kind for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle” - Ian McLaren
If people aren’t careful, personal grief can become self-involved and enable us to continually victimize ourselves. We become so focused on our own suffering we end up believing our own lives are more difficult than anyone else’s.
For those of you that have auto-immune disorders with invisible symptoms, you know someone may look at you and think you’re healthy and life is perfect, but they don’t know what you deal with on a regular basis. That’s relevant for everyone in your life - friends, family, coworkers, and strangers. A friend may have an auto-immune disease you know nothing about… or they could be going through a divorce, been recently cheated on, been struggling with IVF, or dealing with the death of a loved one.
Instead of victimizing ourselves and centering our life around our disease or what might be “wrong” with us, it’s important to see these illnesses or diseases as persona opportunities to become healthier, more in touch with ourselves, and as learning opportunities to become better more authentic people and be there for others.