It’s not so much that I don’t choose to love myself, I do want to and try to, I do respect and possibly love some aspects of me, but still struggle with truly accepting myself. I don’t hate or dislike all of me, and not all of the time, it comes in waves. I do hate feeling bad physically and mentally for extended lengths of time. I do feel as though I accept my illness for the most part, though do not like it or the impact it has on me.
I no longer feel guilty for the impact illness has had on parenting (with exception of financially) because I know that it’s out of my control and because my kids accept and do not look down on me for it. The connection, respect, love, communication and relationship that my children and I have is top-rate. I feel confident that I’m the best parent that I can be to my kids, though I still would love to be able to offer them more financially, especially with college expenses around the corner, and would enjoy being able to do more fun and exciting activities with them. I’m proud of them for emerging into compassionate young adults with empathy and concern for others. On the other hand, I don’t always accept the physical/emotional toll. I still deal with the feeling of not being “enough” anymore as well as having trouble facing my negative emotions at times. It’s not uncommon to feel disconnected from myself or question the value of my life? Yes, I do know that my life still has value, it’s just not the same amount that it used to be or that I think it should. (I know “should” statements aren’t wise to compare myself to.) I know that there are people that care about me and value me, but with exception to my immediate family, I don’t really know why. I don’t feel as if I have much of anything to offer. I’m not one that likes to talk. I’ve lost my “voice” in writing, at least currently, because thoughts and words do not connect. I miss the way that writing helped me process and unload and wish that I could make it return. What would loving myself unconditionally be like? Challenging, but worthwhile in the long run. I would expect that it would be less stressful, open myself up to more happiness, and that I’d be much more comfortable, relaxed, and content. There would be less negativity, self-judgement, and anger toward myself. How would I treat myself differently if I made choice to love myself unconditionally like I do my kids? Forgiveness toward self - especially when relating to something that was out of my control Accept self - instead of criticizing, accept as the current me & know it’s okay Enough? - remember just being here gives me value, being me could be enough, Jesus claims I AM ENOUGH Stop judging self - show self-compassion instead, mistakes are ok, stop comparing to others Respect self by setting healthier boundaries for self and with others Create “Me-time” for things that help me feel good - figure out what those things are Speak to self in a more loving way - tell self what I’d tell my kids in similar situation Consider & ensure I find a way to get what I need - adventure, time, security, connection, purpose, etc Appreciate myself - don’t be afraid to search & acknowledge what I appreciate about me Love myself as God loves me, try to see myself through God's eyes, not "wordly eyes" *** Coronavirus impact on me and family Fears/concerns about returning to school & starting college (Safety, Comfort, Transition, Uncertainty) Ironically, I’ve had a little more compassion and less judging of self presently - is it because I feel more like a “common” nonessential” person being told to stay home at the moment? Which has resulted in me putting less pressure on myself? For a change, I’m actually doing what everyone is supposed to do, staying home.
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Covid-19 & Chronic Illness thoughts
Isolation and missed/canceled events are not unfamiliar. Children are at home all day with husband and me, which means I feel less alone. Chronic illness has in a way helped prepare my mind and body for this situation. I do miss personal time with my mom, dad, and other family members. Some information & emotional overload from all of the uncertain and at times scary Covid-19 news. I can empathize with others & how their life may be impacted from "shelter in place" orders. Goals prior to pandemic- Trying to find meaning of life & encourage myself to get outside house a little bit each week. Appreciating the small things that we often take for granted. Continuing to improve my personal coping strategies for things outside my control. Work on finding new activities, hobbies, purpose, and enjoyment in home atmosphere. Learning to treat self with compassion, when had to cancel/avoid events due to health concerns. Responsibly monitor energy output and symptom management when being actively involved. Try changing the atmosphere for a little "me time" even if just by running a short errand by self. Take time to stay educated about things that are important and/or interests me. Consider risk v/s benefit when determining my choices and actions. Goals currently with pandemic- Remain at home, with exception of car ride or necessary medical appointments. Avoid trips to the store as much as possible or being around public. Wear a cloth mask when I have to be around others outside of my household. Continue to work on finding activities and hobbies that I can enjoy at home. Continue getting my infusions, unless they begin to deem them unsafe due to Covid fears. Consider self-care options such as "me time", long baths, music, etc.. Responsibly monitor energy and symptom management. Fears Present During the Covid-19 Pandemic- Reaching out for medical help returned as don't want to increase their work load or bother them. Concerns over attending medical appts because of increased risk of infection. Will son have a high school graduation among all community changes? How is this pandemic going to affect college preparations and high school plans for next Fall? Family members risks to being infected, treatment if they do (including being isolated alone). Summer vacation(s) will they be even be possible before college begins? Thankful in ways that no longer have central line, would increase possible exposure to covid-19. Will I be able to receive my routine infusions, or will they get canceled due to infection risk? Worries over how virtual medical appointments will go with my psychologist and GI doctor. So how is Covid-19 affecting my life with chronic illness? My emotions have been everywhere. From feeling thankful, appreciative, concerned & worried to sadness, disgust, fear, & confusion. Education & awareness is notably important, selfcare & breaks from listening to news are essential, stories read/heard are heartbreaking & terrifying. The evidence of kind deeds in communities are reassuring and comforting. Mentally and physically, I'm exhausted from dealing with already present chronic illness and now analyzing/deciphering the relevant news articles while trying not to become too anxious from all the fears, destruction, and uncertainties this Covid-19 coronavirus is creating here in U.S. and across the world. My therapist and I have actually been discussing so much of what I've stated above, among other things, during the past few sessions. I understand and can relate to so many experiences being had & shared by the “normal” & healthier population. Whether it be their loss of jobs, lack of closure and missing students now that school is remote only, missing events that they were looking forward to, or simply becoming bored at home, etc.. Oddly, I momentarily feel less pressure on myself as I am doing exactly what everyone is supposed to be doing - staying home to help flatten the curve since I don’t have an essential job. However, looking into the future is dicey for my emotional health, as I realize that the majority of those impacted WILL be able to RETURN to the normalcy that they miss so much, while us with chronic illness will be left behind to keep living our “chronic illness normal”. I’m happy for those that are able to return, not having to live in isolation for years and years, but I do hold out hope that they will retain compassion for those with chronic illness now that they’ve had a small “taste”. (And that’s without them having daily symptoms we must endure along with isolation.) Some of the recent news over the past months has been thought-provoking and scary to read. Especially, the reportings of how some hospitals were considering who’s life is worth saving, who has the best chance of surviving and best quality of life to preserve if medical resources are maxed if the hospitals become overwhelmed. Hearing about C-19 deaths, usually followed by “but they had underlying conditions” or that we should reopen immediately because the illness is only dangerous for the vulnerable, the elderly and ones with chronic conditions, is defeating. Not because I’m worried too much about me, but because it reinforces the opinion that those with vulnerabilities (age or chronic conditions) are less important, which I strongly disagree with and because I know and care about many people with underlying conditions and/or in their older ages. (I admit it’s kind of ironic that I sometimes view myself as less, even though it's not true, but get angry/furious when society labels others that way. Sadly, the comments reinforces that my thoughts of being less are actually mirrored, possibly even created, by the larger society.) Death rates, regardless if they had other issues prior to Covid or not are worrisome to me. Deaths are deaths - they all were someone’s daughter/son at some point. Majority have siblings, children, or other close loved one’s, regardless of blood connection or not. They were people. And because of the impact C-19 has had on hospital restrictions, so many have died hurting, scared, and isolated from human contact. It’s heartbreaking, sad, and scary especially when considering if it were to happen to someone I know or love. Strange how Covid has brought out the absolute best in some people, but in others, ugly selfishness roared. Now some people are getting very restless. I can understand and relate to this in some ways. I am fortunate that my parents live in the same town as me. I have been able to keep in contact with them and briefly see them a few times from a safe distance - but I do miss spending one on one time with them and hugging them. Other than that, and concern over catching the virus and then spreading the virus when going to store for necessary items or medical appts, my life has not changed too much. But I do remember what it felt like when I had to miss work and eventually had to stop working (teaching in my case), which so many are having to do now. I’m familiar with finances being extremely tight or questionable, when there were plans I was looking forward to or something I really wanted to go or travel to but had to cancel, reschedule, or miss out on completely. It sucks!! However, for the most part, in a relatively short while, most people will be able to return to their normal lives. Which is good news for most. I’d love to think that when this is all over, society can have a better understanding of what those with chronic illnesses deal with for years/lifetime, decrease the cold hurtful comments of “must be nice to be home all the time”, or stop ignoring the emotional impact that being chronically ill (including isolation it can cause) has on one’s overall life. It sounds odd hearing top Drs, government officials, and society discuss the mental health impact that “shelter in place” or “stay home” orders can have on one’s emotional life - including financial strain and suicidal thoughts - yet I guarantee many of them have and will continue to disregard or dismiss the viewpoint/impact of chronic illness on daily life for years/life when concerns of epidemic cease. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not minimizing the impact that the virus or shutdown has had on the entire population as a whole, I know that it has been extremely challenging and difficult for everyone. I empathize and feel absolutely horrible for those that have lost their livelihood, loved ones, and/or their daily lifestyles. Telehealth has been slowly making it's way into society over the past couple of years. However, amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that is reaking havoc across the world, it has become a necessity. Doctors and medical centers across the United States have begun to depend on telehealth in an effort to keep patients and medical professional safe from infection. Due to how contagious and deadly this virus is, everyone is being encouraged, and in many cases, ordered to remain at home and "social distance" themselves from others. However, other health issues and concerns, whether physical or mental, do not disappear. Therefore, telehealth is emerging as an essential way for people to receive medical attention over the phone or via live video interactions, without having to further risk acquiring or transmitting the virus. Living with chronic illness is challenging. Open communication and dependable relationships with my doctors is important to me. When COVID-19 began it's negative impact on the United States a lot of things began to change. As cases started appearing in NC, all of my medical appointments were rescheduled out of fear and uncertainty over what to expect with the virus contagion amongst our communities. As weeks progressed, the serious threat of the virus didn't leave, in fact it increased quickly. Telehealth began emerging. I see a clinical health psychologist a couple times a month to help me with the impact that Chronic Illness has on my life and to help me navigate the emotions and stressors that coincide. Missing or rescheduling an appointment occasionally is acceptable and manageable. But life doesn't stop, my emotions and thoughts continue, and the maintenance of my mental health is important. Unfortunately, the virus is not going anywhere anytime soon. I have no idea when it will be safe enough to visit my doctors face to face. Yesterday, I agreed to attempt a therapy session over the phone. Prior to the appointment, I was extremely anxious, though not really sure why. I was literally afraid. My head was spinning, my eyes were teary, and my chest heavy as I awaited the phone call. For the life of me, I don't know why my body was responding this way, especially being that it was just a phone call and with someone that I know and trust. Maybe it was because I was at home, with family members in the other room. Maybe I didn't feel as "safe" enough to talk openly and privately because others may hear my thoughts and feelings. Maybe it's because I couldn't walk to my usual room and then leave after the appointment was over. Maybe it's because I didn't trust myself to open up enough, feared awkward silences or inability to talk my through the session. Maybe it was the increased possibility of distractions around me in my home. Maybe it's because I know that body language speaks louder than words sometimes, and talking on the phone takes away that aspect. Maybe it was just simply because it was new and different. Likely it was a combination of all. Regardless, I knew that I needed to try. And though it wasn't perfect, it worked out alright. Yes, I was nervous when answering the phone. I did feel awkward, especially to begin with, but that's ok. I was able to open up, though did find myself hesitating and trying to hold back thoughts at times. All in all, it was still a worthwhile appointment and I'm glad that I gave it a chance. I expect that I will be having more phone appointments like this, possibly with my medical doctors as well, in the upcoming weeks or months, at least until the chaos of the virus calms down. Hopefully, I'll be returning to my "normal" face to face appointments afterwards. Everyone has their own personal opinions about telehealth. Like everything in life, it's not perfect. I understand the need for it at the moment, I can admit that it is beneficial in various situations, but I also recognize instances where it is not ideal and may hinder the doctor-patient connection. Personally, I still prefer face to face appointments, but I can see the benefits of telehealth in some circumstances and how it may actually become preferred or more convenient to some. Whether by phone or video, I believe that telehealth will have a prominent place in the future of medicine and am thankful that it is available in times like today. Edited on May 24, 2020 to add...... I have now had 4 phone appointments with my psychologist and a virtual video appointment with my GI. All of these "remote" appointments are a result of social distancing and new medical protocols due to the Covid pandemic and stay at home guidelines. My thoughts have improved regarding telehealth since my first appointment. I still feel a little awkward for the first few minutes of these appointments, however, being that the appointments are with doctors that I trust and am comfortable with, the appointments are efficient. (It may also help that my mental health and frame of mind have been pretty good through all of this and my medical symptoms, while still problematic have been tolerable for the most part. If I were having a very difficult time physically or emotionally, I believe in person would be better, as visual cues and physical assessment may be more necessary. But, routine follow-ups when issues are not too problematic, telehealth is proficient. |
Trisha BundyA proud mother, educator, Gastroparesis & GI Motility Disorder Advocate, Like my content? Want to thank me with a small token of appreciation? https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1LH7R639ORBML?ref_=wl_share
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