TIPS FOR BECOMING MORE SELF-EMPOWERED WHEN LIVING WITH A CHRONIC HEALTH CONDITION BY TOM SEAMAN When we are faced with a limiting health issue where performing “simple” everyday activities becomes a challenge, our self-confidence and self-worth can dwindle. This can happen with any health condition or injury, but is especially prevalent with a chronic health issue. It is always there to remind us that we have to work a lot harder to perform tasks that were once so easy. This can get downright exhausting and overwhelming to the point where we might feel much less of a person than we once were. In my case, I live with a painful neurological movement disorder called dystonia. I have had it for over 20 years and it has altered the course of my life in many ways. Given the nature of this disorder where the main symptoms are involuntary body movements and chronic pain, it can feel like an outside force is controlling my body. This is very unsettling, which can lead to a sense of helplessness and a decreased feeling of competence. Those of us living with dystonia (and any other chronic condition) have to work very hard to combat these problems on a daily basis. Below are some ideas to help you feel more empowered. – You are the only one with unique knowledge about your condition and how it affects your life. You are the one who can and should make the major decisions about your life. Only you know how you feel at any given time, what you are capable of, and what your limitations are. Don’t allow feelings of guilt push you into doing something you know your body will pay for, either during or afterwards. – Be careful to not compare yourself to others. No one is better than you. We are all unique and everyone has lived a very different life. We cannot completely duplicate the success of another person because we all take different paths to get where we are. Concentrate on strengthening your own skills 6
and abilities. Be proud of your accomplishments and acknowledge how well you are doing in the face of great challenges. – Prioritize. On your best days you may find you can do more things with relative ease. Other days, a single task might wipe you out for the rest of the day or even several days thereafter. Plan ahead so you can prepare yourself prior to an activity and rest time afterwards if necessary. – Be careful about being a people pleaser. It often means jeopardizing your health for the sake of others, an attribute that may have and may continue to contribute to your symptoms. Do what you can and know your limitations. Others can adapt to you. – Be sure to find doctors you can trust. This is often a difficult task. Dystonia and other conditions are often misunderstood, making it hard to find the right doctor who understands your specific needs, so it might take some shopping around. To assist in this process, educate yourself as much as possible about
