Comments on: Coping With Chronic Illness

By: Scott S

Scott S — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 00:34:33 +0000

You are correct in that the mainstream press tends to present chronic illness as either pollyana or doom & gloom, but that’s largely because it makes for a convenient headline. The reality for most of us with chronic illnesses lies somewhere in between these extremes, yet outside observers might never realize it. While living with chronic diseases need not render us as fatalists, the term “chronic” is seldom acknowledged by the medical profession, yet contributes to long-term challenges in maintaining health over time. I have argued that anger can and should play an important role in living with chronic disease provided that anger is channeled correctly.

By: Carla

Carla — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 13:57:22 +0000

Terrific post. I think a very realistic discussion. It looks like the book from which its excerpted might offer a lot as well.

By: kim

kim — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 23:58:27 +0000

Thanks for that one- It was extremely helpful and insightful! keep up the good fight!

By: Lemon-Aid

Lemon-Aid — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 00:05:49 +0000

I’d like to think I’m somewhere in the middle but then again, few people know about my illness (lupus and all that goes with it). Those who do know can pretty much see how I’m doing from my level of participation in every day life. Those who don’t know either have no clue, don’t really care, or at times they think I “need to get more rest”. I’d rather not share my challenges and and just steer the conversation in another direction. Maybe that’s actually being a Pollyanna but it keeps people out of my business.

By: HayWire0831

HayWire0831 — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 21:59:23 +0000

This is genius, but also makes me sad because I believe I’m starting to get to the “gloomy perspective of resignation, self-denial, and helplessness” point. :-\

Where’s the happy medium?