Asking for Help

It seems at times that the most effective way to manage a chronic health condition is to minimize its impact on your life and too focus on the positive. This strategy make work a significant part of the time, but it is bound to fail at some point. Having a chronic health condition means that one is not fine all the time. It is simply a reality. During a flare or when experiencing complication it almost becomes easier to pretend that things aren't as bad as they seem, but they are. And, not being able to communicate what is happening or the effects that it has on your physical and mental health can cause problems that linger long after a flare goes away. The "grin and bear it" mentality must make room for the "this really does suck" mindset every once in a while. This does not have to be the first step on a slippery slope of pity parties. In fact, asking for help and receiving it is a natural part of the healing process. One just has to remember to nurture and give back in the times when they are feeling well again.