Navigating the Storm: Acknowledging and Managing Anxiety Amidst Chronic Illness
Hello, dear readers,
I'm Eddie Solien, and I come to you as a composite of experiences and identities — an LGBTIQA+ individual, a Torres Strait Islander with deep roots in Badu Island, and someone persistently grappling with the realities of living with Severe Heart Failure, left ventricle dysfunction, Auto Immune Pancreatitis, and Type 2 Diabetes. These chronic illnesses are not just physical burdens; they carry an emotional weight, often manifesting as overwhelming anxiety, an experience I'm intimately familiar with.
Today's narrative is a personal yet universally relevant one — it's about confronting the visceral reality of anxiety, particularly anxiety exacerbated by chronic health conditions, and understanding that it's okay to not be okay.
The sensations are all too familiar: the inexplicable sweating, the constriction in your chest making it hard to breathe, the relentless feeling of drowning under the weight of your own health. It's a state of vulnerability that can feel endless, and it's accompanied by an inner voice that persistently questions, "Is it truly okay to feel this way?"
Anxiety is a natural response to stress, a call to action when our mind perceives a threat. However, when dealing with chronic illness, the 'threat' is constant and internal, often leading to heightened and prolonged anxiety levels. This state isn't just emotionally taxing; it can also exacerbate physical symptoms, creating a cycle that feels impossible to break.
Yet, the first step towards navigating through this storm is acknowledgment. It's important, albeit difficult, to give yourself permission to feel your emotions in their entirety. There's a common misconception that acknowledging our struggles gives them power over us. In reality, the opposite is true. Recognition is a form of awareness, and awareness is the first step to empowerment.
So, is it okay to feel 'shit'? Absolutely. Your feelings are valid, and they matter because they're a reflection of the human experience, especially in the face of constant adversity like chronic illness. But it's also crucial to recognise when your mental health is spiralling, and to understand that there are strategies and resources available to help steady the ship….
§ Engaging with a psychologist or a counsellor can provide you with tools to manage anxiety. Therapeutic approaches like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can help you understand the patterns of your thoughts and feelings, and develop more balanced perspectives.
§ Connecting with others who live with chronic illnesses can provide a sense of community and understanding that friends and family, though well-meaning, may not fully provide.
§ Practices such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and progressive muscle relaxation can help manage immediate anxiety symptoms, bringing a sense of calm and present-moment awareness.
§ Be kind to yourself. Chronic illness is a significant burden, and you're doing the best you can. Self-compassion involves treating yourself with the same kindness and understanding as you would treat a friend.
§ It's okay to say no to activities or engagements that you know will exacerbate your anxiety or physical symptoms. Preserving energy for healing and self-care is a priority.
§ Sometimes, anxiety and chronic illness can create a chasm between our experiences and those of our loved ones. Educating them about what you're going through can foster empathy and support within your personal relationships.
While it's okay to feel overwhelmed by the waves of anxiety and frustration that often accompany chronic illness, you're not bound to a raft amidst the storm. There are lifelines available — in the form of therapy, support systems, and self-care strategies. The journey may be tumultuous, and the waters may sometimes rise, but you're not sailing them alone.
With resilience,
E
