Too often we don't ask for help because we assume that others will not be there for us, or that even if they want to be there, they won't be able to help. The problem is that we'll never know if we can depend on others if we never ask. This quote came straight from my Psych book: "Social support … [Read more...]
Chronic Illness and Friendships
Too often chronic illness can get in the way of friendships. The people who were your friends often can't understand what you are going through. They don't understand why you are no longer as available as you used to be.
It's difficult to maintain friendships when you don't feel well. You barely have the energy to take care of your needs, let alone to worry about returning phone calls, making plans, or being there for those around you.
You will likely find your list of friends narrows. Some of this will occur naturally and some by choice as you find that certain friends eat away at your already limited energy.
However, other friends are worth keeping and will be there no matter how "flaky" you may seem. The posts you'll find in this section cover everything from how to know which friends are worth keeping, to how to deal with those who aren't.
Here's a few of the most popular articles on these topics:
It’s ok to ask for help
How many times have we been told that we need to learn to ask for help, that we need to be willing to ask for help? Yet, no matter how often we hear it, the asking is still a struggle. We all struggle in different ways, with asking for different things. For some of us, we can easily ask for help … [Read more...]
When you realize you are the toxic person in the situation
Have you ever thought about a situation and realized that maybe you were the one making the situation bad? That maybe in a relationship or situation you were the toxic person? Sometimes I read back through something I've written in the past and receive a punch to the gut. That's what happened as … [Read more...]
Are you spending too much time with the wrong people?
Throughout the last few years I've made a strong effort to spend more time with the right people and less (or no) time with the wrong people. Throughout the last decade I've shared several topics about dealing with toxic people, or people who drain your energy. It was something I … [Read more...]
5 Tips for Handling Toxic Relationships
We all have people around us that give both positive and negative energy. Some take any energy they can find and absorb it into themselves. These relationships can become toxic, especially when you are already dealing with limited energy. Thankfully, while there are several types of negative … [Read more...]
The importance of maintaining friendships in isolation
Right now we are facing a time where everyone is more isolated. Those who are healthy are beginning to get a glimpse of the isolation many of us living with chronic illness have lived with for years. And, those who are chronically ill are even more isolated than normal as they seek to protect … [Read more...]
20 Great Gift Ideas for Those with Chronic Illness
As we head into the holiday season, it can be a struggle to know just what to get those you care about. Finding gift ideas for those with chronic illness can especially be a struggle. Below are 21 gift ideas specifically for those living with chronic illness. Coupon Book Coupon … [Read more...]
8 Gifts Your Loved One With Chronic Illness Really Wants
8 Gifts Your Loved One with Chronic Illness Really Wants This time of year we are all thinking about what those around us want, but we should be thinking about it all year around. I've posted my annual gift guide, a list of items you can buy (or make) for your loved one that they will surely … [Read more...]
3 Things to Remember When Dealing with Toxic People
Toxic people are just a matter of life. No matter how hard we try to avoid them we often find ourselves surrounded by people who just suck the life out of us. These are often people who are extremely self-centered, never allowing others a word. Sometimes the toxic people in our lives are family … [Read more...]
The Importance of Social Support
Social support makes a huge difference in how we manage our illness. Too often, though, we push our support away and try to do it all on our own. The struggle is that our illness has taken so much of our independence away that we want to do anything we can on our own, often to our own detriment. As … [Read more...]
