The Importance of Having a Support System

If you have any sort of chronic illness, you should have a good support system. This can include people who you know in your personal life, a team of doctors, or even a support group with others who have the same condition you have. Here are some reasons why it is so important that you have a solid support system in your life.

Why You Need a Good Support System

When you have a chronic illness, it completely takes over your life. It affects your physical, mental, and emotional health, and can be completely overwhelming. Not to mention how much it takes out of you to manage your pain with medications, fight with the insurance company, go to doctor’s appointments, self-advocate, track your triggers, and so much more. You need people around you to lean on for support, in a number of different ways.

This might be someone you can call up when you are experiencing anxiety or depression because of your chronic illness, or who you need to ask for help with picking up your medications or helping with your kids on a day with a bad flare-up. There are many different ways your support system can help you with a chronic illness.

Who Should Be in Your Support System

The people you choose to be in your support system should provide a number of different types of support. To start with, you can ask your friends and family to help you with a variety of things. You might have a sister who also has kids, so she is a natural option for someone who can bring her kids over to play with your kids when you’re struggling to keep them entertained. Maybe you have a family member who lives nearby and wouldn’t mind running errands for you. Or a neighbor who could give you a ride to an appointment if you’re feeling unable to drive yourself.

Also have people in your life who can provide emotional support, whether this is a friend, partner, counselor, or therapist. Your physicians and other specialists are a part of your support team.

What to do if You Lack Proper Support

It is not easy for everyone to understand what you are going through and support you in the way you need them to. This is when it is a good idea to look outside your social circle and find people who have the same or similar conditions. If you speak to your doctor about needing some extra support, they can help you find support groups with people who have the same type of chronic condition.

I have found ShareWell to be a great asset in supporting my mental health, especially when connecting with others with chronic health conditions. You can sign up here (referral link). You can participate with the community completely freely, or purchase a plan for expert help.

We’re All a Part of This

Remember, you are stronger than your chronic health conditions, you are more than your illness, and you can do this. Other people go through similar situations and connecting to them is a great way to feel understood. There’s no shame in asking for help, especially before you become unable to cope.