Facing the Challenges of Peripheral Neuropathy With Positivity
by Pat Gualtieri
Living with a chronic illness can be challenging, but embracing positivity is possible with the right strategies and mindset. The key is to stay active, physically, intellectually, emotionally and socially. Here are some ways to foster a positive outlook:
- Acceptance: Accepting the reality of your illness can be a powerful first step. It’s about acknowledging the challenges while focusing on what you can control.
- Support Networks: Surround yourself with supportive friends, family, and others who understand your condition. Joining support groups can also connect you with people who are going through similar experiences.
- Setting Realistic Goals: Set achievable goals that make you feel accomplished. These can be small daily tasks or longer-term aspirations.
- Mindfulness and Meditation: Practices like mindfulness and meditation can help manage stress and cultivate a sense of peace and presence in the moment.
- Gratitude Journaling: Keeping a gratitude journal can shift focus from what is lacking to what is abundant in your life. Writing down even small things you are thankful for each day can have a big impact.
- Professional Help: Don’t hesitate to seek help from mental health professionals. Therapists or counselors specialized in chronic illness can provide valuable coping strategies.
- Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Engaging in regular physical activity, eating a balanced diet, and getting enough sleep can improve both physical and mental health.
- Hobbies and Interests: Engage in activities you enjoy and explore new hobbies. This can bring joy and a sense of achievement.
- Education: Learning more about your illness can empower you to make informed decisions about your care and lifestyle.
- Positive Affirmations: Regular positive affirmations can help in rewiring thought patterns, reducing negative self-talk and increasing confidence.
- Volunteering or Helping Others: Sometimes, helping others can bring a sense of purpose and fulfillment, which can be uplifting.
- Focus on What You Can Do: Instead of focusing on limitations, concentrate on what you can do and celebrate those victories, no matter how small.
How have some of our members taken suggestions like these to heart?
* Several members meet for lunch or dinner, in person, now that Covid is more under control. They exchange information, share updates on family, talk of outside interests and generally support each other;
* One of our members shares cartoons, articles and stories that she finds encouraging with others in the group;
* Another member has set a goal of visiting and hiking as many of our national parks as possible. Careful planning allows him to negotiate the trails, using assistive devices like hiking poles to meet his goal;
*One member took advantage of aquatic therapy for balance issues when offered as part of her prescribed physical therapy. The buoyancy of the water lessened the stress on her joints and enabled her to strengthen her ankles, helping with fall prevention;
* Greg Maassen is a stellar example of someone who refused to let PN stop him. Told by Dr. Hoke at Johns Hopkins that exercise was the best strategy for managing PN, Greg set out to train on an electric bicycle. He refused to give up his love of biking and turned the challenge into an affirming goal: to travel cross country to raise awareness of PN, the importance of exercise and the opportunities biking provides. In the process, he raised $180,000 for PN research and education.
Remember, it’s normal to have ups and downs, and embracing positivity doesn’t mean ignoring the difficulties. It’s about finding balance and focusing on the aspects of life that bring joy and meaning, despite the challenges of a chronic illness. Celebrate your victories and share your results!