If you’re diagnosed with a chronic illness such as Diabetes, Crohn’s disease, MS, or RA, it’s a painful psychological blow. It’s natural to feel a number of different emotions, including shock, fear, depression and/or anger. Even though it’s often invisible to others, chronic illness can be a very difficult life challenge. It may be hard to accept that this is not a temporary issue, and  that some aspects of your life will have to change. Although the illness may have a significant impact on how you live your life, you can still make decisions about how you want to handle it. In fact, there’s no question that taking an active role in managing your challenges will lead to a better quality of life. What follows are some simple ways you can begin to do this.

1. Be Open with Your Doctor

Keep in mind that you need to be an active participant in the treatment process, not simply a passive recipient of medical advice and intervention.That means going to all of your appointments, following directions, and speaking up whenever you have things you’d like to discuss with your doctor. Make an effort to collaborate in your treatment by being open and honest about how you are, including if you’re feeling frustrated or overwhelmed. Be sure to write down whatever questions or concerns you have about your illness, and remember to bring your list with you to your appointment.

2. Build a Support System

You don’t have to deal with your illness, or any life challenge for that matter, alone. Lean on your friends and family and let them know what’s going on in your life. Seek help from a therapist or a life coach. It can also be helpful to find a support group—speaking with people who are struggling with the same illness and understand what you are going through can be incredibly therapeutic. You can even look for support groups online if you can’t find one in your area, or if you feel uncomfortable attending one in person. 

3. Ask for Help

Asking for help is not always easy because it can make us feel vulnerable. Remember that others probably don’t always know what you need, and it’s up to you to let them know. Pushing through the initial discomfort and reaching out to people during tough life challenges will make your day-to-day life much easier. It’s part of what a support system is for, after all — and while you may feel like you’re imposing, most people are happy to help in any way they can (you’d do the same for them, right?). Keep a list in your phone of people you can turn to if you need help with things like running errands, getting to the doctor, and doing chores. 


Whether you’ve been diagnosed with a chronic illness or are struggling with another life challenge, Audrey Berger, PhD of Turning Point Life Coaching in Brighton, NY, is eager to help. With more than 38 years of counseling experience, this compassionate life coach and certified psychologist knows how to help clients develop coping skills and improve the quality of their lives. Visit her website to learn more about how she can help you manage chronic illness, and call (585) 292-0095 to set up an appointment today.