Five Key Myths of Communication with Loved Ones While Living with Chronic Illness (con`t)

Stating you need help or support but don’t know where to start can be a great way to ask for help! Let your loved one in to ask some questions and go from there. It will probably surprise youtoseewhatgreatoffersofhelpwillemergebeforeyou!

Myth #4: Communication Can Only Happen on Good Days

It might seem tempting to wait for a day when you feel better to have meaningful conversations, but this isn’t always practical. Symptoms can vary, and waiting for the perfect moment can be frustrating. It’s essential to communicate regularly, even on days when your symptoms, such as chronic pain or brain fog, are more intense. Adapt your communication to fit your current state, but don’t wait for ideal conditions. Ideal communication happens over time and often with more than one conversation, so engaging in these conversations across the continuum of your illness can be very important.

Myth #5: You Can’t Speak Up Because You Feel Like a Burden

Living with a chronic illness doesn’t mean you should stay silent about your needs or any issues in your relationships. Just because you’re dealing with health challenges doesn’t mean your voice should be silenced. If you would have addressed something before your illness, keep speaking up now. Use “I” statements like “I feel” or “I think” to express your thoughts and feelings. Keep the conversation open and honest, and move forward with the affirmation that you and your needs are equally important to your loved ones. Remember that every relationship has some give and take; it may be helpful to remind yourself of all you bring to the relationship.

These myths highlight that navigating communication while living with a chronic illness requires both bravery and clarity. Effective communication doesn’t mean starting from scratch; it’s about adapting and maintaining the aspects of your relationship that work well. By being transparent, acknowledging your changing needs, and keeping the lines of communication open — even on difficult days — you create a more supportive environment for yourself and those around you. Having a solid, strong relationship, using effective communication and managing your illness go hand in hand, allowing you to live your best possible life and even thrive with a chronic illness.

Kristy is a mental health therapist in private practice and is registered to see clients in 5 Canadian provinces, including BC, AB, SK, ON, and NS.

Kristy’s practice specializes in chronic illness and focuses on the intersection between trauma and grief. Kristy has presented nationally andinternationallyandhasauthoredtwotrauma-informedbooks.

KristyBrosz,MSW,RCSW

MentalHealthTherapist/RegisteredClinicalSocialWorker

ClinicalSupervisor(ACSW)

KristyBroszCounselling&Consulting

Email: kristy@brosz.ca