ISSUE #23 cont'd -- Information about (#2)

LIVING WITH A CHRONIC ILLNESS cont’d

This is from an article I really like written by psychologist Deborah Kors on the stages we go through when and the strategies we can use when we have developed or been diagnosed with a chronic illness. Although she refers mostly to a physical illness it is totally applicable to a mental illness as well. If you want to read the complete article go to

www.denisboyd.com/pdf/Winter%202009.pdf

July 4 I summarized the four stages. July 5 & 6, I summarized eight of the strategies Kors suggests that can help us move through those four stages. Today I will summarize the final two.

My comments are in italics

#9 READING TRUE STORIES ABOUT OTHERS.

Reading about other people who have gone through adversity in their lives and transformed their experiences into something meaningful can be so inspiring and help you also find meaning in your life.

I can’t tell you how helpful doing this has been in my life. And not just reading about them, but watching them on Oprah or other shows too. My primary diagnosis is multiple personality disorder and my hero is Truddi Chase who also had the diagnosis. In the early 90’s I read her book and then I saw her on Oprah. I was so moved by her courage and I swore that I too would find the courage to tell my story and not keep it a secret. It was my mission for years and in some way still is.

#10  REFRAME SOME OF YOUR LOSSES AND SEE

THEM IN A MORE POSITIVE WAY. Despite the things you no longer are, or no longer can do, you can still do other things and you might find new “gifts” within these. From these you may gain new insights or develop new ways of doing things. You may begin to feel a great compassion for the struggles of others and/or a new “wisdom” about your own life. Who knows, maybe your insights will now inspire others and help them, in turn, to create more meaningful lives.

Above all, my experiences with my disorder have given me a wonderful depth of compassion for people going through hardships in their lives. I have learned not to judge so quickly and how to listen more closely to what a person is saying when they are in pain. I am absolutely grateful for all that I have been through as painful and difficult it was.

-----

It is not easy to go through the stages Kors describes when dealing with a long-term illness. They are often painful and we wish that the illness would simply go away. But when we come to accept where we are and the new journey we are on,  then hope begins. For then the healing can start and if you do the work required of you, your journey can be the most beautiful gift you have ever received in your life. Do not give up. Things always change and this will pass.

I hope these posts have helped some of you a little on your own journey. Hang in there.

Caer Weber