As a Chronically Ill person, I’ve noticed that many “dealing techniques” aren’t available to me.

I’m going to say this pretty bluntly but: a lot of my mental struggles are either caused by my Illnesses; what they do; what I’ve been through because of them; or made worse because of those things.

Therefore, it’s really quite tough that they also stop me from being able to access the techniques to help with the mental torment that they’ve and do cause.

But I know that I’m unfortunately not alone in this, and that many other chronic illness fighters face that same struggle.

So, I was surprised that when I looked up techniques that were accessible when Chronically Ill, I couldn’t find any articles on that specific topic.

It got me thinking; why don’t I write something for others to access, and hopefully help someone.

I’m going to make it clear right now that; I’m not a specialist, nor do I think that all of my techniques are that unheard of. I’m only writing this because of the hope that it might help someone else – at least a little.

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1. Firstly, Talk To Someone.

I want to say this first. Whenever you are really struggling, tell someone.

If you are like me then sometimes it feels amazing to talk in full to the person that you talk to; who you feel most comfortable talking to during the time.

Other times it’s worse mentally to do so during the time, so you say “I’m struggling” to that person during the time and then talk in depth afterwards.

This is OKAY, do what’s right for you (and that will benefit those around you), but make sure that someone knows at least vaguely that you are struggling.

2. Write.

This includes a “what makes me happy” list, you’re thoughts and feelings, and whatever else that may help. Writing is a tool that is accessible to many nowadays and one that is very helpful.

Often I find writing easier than talking, and after I write, I show whoever may need to read it the piece.

A tip for any “what makes me happy” lists is to set a reminder to read it however frequently that you think is best; one of mine is my amazing family, but your’s could be anything (that makes you happy).

3. Find A Hobby That Isn’t Too Energy Taking But Distracts.

I very strongly recommend this. It could be anything. One that produces happy-hormones such as endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine, is even better.

It might take a while to get the right one, but research and if it’s something that still interests you and you can do, fund, and home try it.

If you have someone close to you that upholds a hobby which interests you, ask them about it – the likelihood is that if they truly enjoy it, being asked about it will make them smile.

It’s always nice to be asked about your hobby and be able to share the enjoyment with others. The key is try, practice, and don’t belittle your efforts.

4. Count.

When I was little, I used to hold my breath whilst crying and would either turn very blue or pass out, I desperately tried not to but my brain struggled with crying and breathing at the same time, my worried family taught me to count to ten among some Buddhist practices – all of which have given me a lot.

It worked and although I still struggle with breath-holding whilst crying or laughing, it’s no where near as bad as it was. This taught me to count (to bigger numbers) to help calm anxiety, depression, etc, and I very much recommend the technique.

It’s sometimes even better when the counting sends you to sleep – sleep is the best medicine after all. I also count products with many textile points, to get through panic attacks, SI thoughts, and such, it quite often seems to be blister packs – any chronically ill person will most likely get this!

5. Tapping.

I don’t know whether this is an official technique as such, however, it really works for me. At first it was a sub-conscious effort; to tap one of my wrists – often my left. It works, It calms thoughts.

I noticed this one day, so I’ve continued to do it. Obviously this is much better than nail-digging, or any other kind of harmful things. And needless to say; it doesn’t cause pain, wounds, or scars. You can include counting with this.

6. Watch/Listen To Happy Or Calming Things.

Personally, whenever I need a mood boost, I listen to my niece Alora either chattering away, laughing, or doing something else which has audio and happiness.

If I need something calming, I generally listen to:

Sounds on a sound machine app (usually a mix between water, wind, and something else on Sleepia’s Free Version).

A meditation recording (usually on Insight Timer – which is absolutely incredible and has so many thousands of free recordings).

Some of an audiobook that I’m reading (however, this depends on what I’m reading at the time).

7. Open A Window, And Let Some Fresh Air In.

What’s better than some fresh air? However, with Chronic Illnesses sometimes “just stepping” out into the outside is impossible.

However make sure to open a window or a few and let some fresh air in. In the warmer days, we’ve always got some windows and/or our back doors open, and it feels amazing.

8. Look At How Far You Have Come, Instead Of Haven’t Done.

I know that this is sometimes the hardest thing, however, you being here right now is absolutely incredible – you’ve fought so much.think about this, applaud yourself for it, and give yourself some love, instead of looking at what you haven’t done.

9. “Meet-Up” With Friends.

Even if this is over some sort of FaceTime, being “with” a loved one can really help. You could even do this from your bed!

10. Watch The Right Kind Of Film.

Whether it’s a weepy or a happy, watching a film can help significantly. If you’re in a place such as bed and don’t have a tv close, try sources such as Netflix or Prime-tv on devices like a phone, if you have access to them.

11. Look Up How You’re Feeling.

This may sound odd, however, in most occasions at least somewhat of how you are feeling will have been documented by someone else.

Because they’ve experienced the feeling too, you hear that you are not alone which can really help. You may even be able to talk to them, which could help both you and them!

I really hope that some of these techniques help. There is a lot more that I could talk about, but for now, I’ll share these. if you know someone who could really benefit from reading this, please share this with them! And if you know of any great techniques that I haven’t written about here, please comment them.

Thank You,

Lots Of Love,
And Big Gentle Hugs,

Tiegan Elise x

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