I've worked in healthcare most of my career. providing services to the very old and the very young and all other categories in between. Prolonged illness can affect all aspects of your life. It may impede on your ability to work and earn a living. It may impact the relationship that you have with your friends and family, especially if the illness is prolonged. A serious illness may also affect the way you interact and feel about your God, spiritual leader, and other faith based parts of your life. Some people may be confronted with physical changes such as hair loss, weight loss, loss of endurance and strength. Whatever the challenges are, the question remains how to maintain the sense of self while working towards improvement in the physical and mental health.
The variable that I've observed over and over is the necessity of being around others. This may sound cliche and basic but it's fundamental. Humans, especially when down, tend to become more resilient when they know that someone cares about their well being. So, stay connected. If you can work , then try to work, even if part time. If you can not work then volunteer, even if telephonic. Stay engaged. Continue to challenge your self by setting small goals and working towards those goals - wake up daily with a plan already established. Wake up every day and make your bed. I highly recommend bed making as a daily goal. We are not seeking perfection - just purpose. Enhance what you have; if you dislike the way your hair has changed, think about changing your hair with wigs/ scarfs / haircut. Consider owning your new look - whatever that may be. I believe, the key is not be afraid but to engage and invest in yourself .
