Last week, the subject of patient identity was touched upon. Easy steps on how one can be supportive to a good sense of identity were offered.
This week the subject of aspects that support resiliency as it pertains to a person with a medical issue will be broached.
What I really wish to convey is that the person with a medical condition is, first and foremost, a person. The person has hopes, dreams, fears and frustrations.
Aspects that can support resiliency to have the strength to face life’s challenges are the same for someone with a medical condition as for someone without. What may add to the challenge is the shock and grief of being sick and the condition itself.
For the aspects supporting resiliency presented here, I hope to offer food for thought.
TAKE GOOD CARE
It is obvious that getting enough sleep and eating well is important for everyone. It is just as true for someone with a medical condition, if not more so. It is important to also make adjustments depending on what the condition is. It may include eating or avoiding certain foods; eating at regular intervals, adjusting movements and taking medication.
It is important to be informed about what may affect the medication so as to better control it.
TAKING TIME TO REFUEL
In last week’s entry, I shared my husband’s passion with macro photography and how it sustained his sense of identity when everything hit the fan. He seems to lose himself when seeing the beauty of nature. He has even lost himself in our own front yard where I planted flowers that attract insects.
It could be a passion but it could be anything that gives you a sense of joy. In the weeks he would be in the hospital, we made sure to do activities that would naturally refuel his sense of joy and playfulness depending on how he was feeling.
On good days it was card games and board games. On quieter days, it was cuddling in front of a video. Sometimes it was going out to the cafeteria for a treat. Once, years ago, I kidnapped him from his room at the Neuro to sneak into the hospital across the street to visit the hospital nursery. It felt naughty to have snuck off and was a time to dream of what our future would be if we were to be blessed with children of our own.
DON’T ACCEPT STATUS QUO
At the very least, it is important to ask questions and remain curious about the medical condition.
The unexpected result of this curiosity could be the sense of control a person may have over his or her condition.
THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX
A person with a medical condition and his or her loved-ones know him best. Together they could look for answers in unexpected creative places. Some patients and their families have made differences not only for themselves but for other families as well. They were the instigator for change because they are able to see the situation in a more complete and heartfelt way.
KNOW WHEN TO LET GO
As a person with a medical condition, it is important to know when to stop fighting the system and to savour the life you have for the time you have it.
SOCIAL SUPPORT
This aspect hits closer to home for me because of a dear friend’s comment. She mentioned that this one is difficult for her to develop because she is less mobile than she has been.
We are lucky to live in the 21st century with remote access to people and groups. I have been grateful in the last years to connect with people through Facebook as well as reaching out to you through this blog. Though this is not the same as face to face contact, it could be amazingly supportive. It also has a pretty incredible reach. This could be particularly important for someone with such a rare condition that no one nearby would understand.
This situation is greatly helped by the worldwide web. It has the power to bring together people that may never have found each other.
It also gives the person with a medical condition the chance to share with people who share the same passion. What a lovely escape to be able to share passion and joy. It is great way to recognise parts of the person with a medical condition beyond the limitations of the condition.
Feel free to drop me a line or ask a question. I would love to hear how you help build your own resiliency.
Join me next week for :The Spouse
Please share this blog in hopes that it land on the computer of someone who may feel alone starting their own medical ride.