How to Support Someone with a Chronic Illness
Key Takeaways:
A strong support system can positively impact someone living with a chronic illness.
If you have a loved one with a chronic illness, you can provide support in many ways.
Self-education, active listening, offering help, understanding their spoons, practicing empathy, respecting their boundaries, providing emotional support, and practicing self-care can benefit your spoonie’s well-being.
Chronic illnesses can significantly impact every aspect of a person's life, including their physical health, emotional well-being, and daily routines. You can make a positive difference in their journey as a supportive friend, partner, or family member.
Continue reading to explore effective ways to support someone with a chronic illness.
Self-educate
To support someone with a chronic illness, take the initiative to learn about their condition. Research their illness, its symptoms, treatment options, and potential challenges. This knowledge will help you better understand their experience and communicate more effectively.
Practice active listening
Listening attentively can provide the support they need. Allow your loved one to have an open and honest conversation with you. Focus on being present, empathetic, and validating their emotions. Avoid offering unwanted advice or trying to "fix" their situation.
Offer practical help
Living with chronic illness often involves some challenges and limitations. Offer practical help by asking how you can help them. This may include running errands, cooking meals, helping with household chores, or accompanying them to medical appointments. Small acts of kindness can make a significant difference in their daily lives.
Understand their spoons (or energy levels)
People with chronic illnesses often get easily fatigued as they can have low spoons (or energy levels). Please know your loved one may need to pace themselves to conserve energy. Be flexible and patient with plans and activities. Offer to adjust activities or find alternative ways to spend quality time together, such as watching a movie at home or engaging in low-energy hobbies.
Practice empathy and avoid judgment
It's important to approach their experiences with empathy and understanding. Chronic illnesses can be unpredictable. With this in mind, avoiding making assumptions or passing judgment is best because you can't always see what they're going through.
Respect their boundaries
Everyone has boundaries set in place to protect their mental well-being. You should always aim to respect your chronic illness warrior’s boundaries. Allow them to set boundaries around their chronic illness when discussing their health or inability to participate in certain activities.
Also, you must always ask for their consent before sharing their health information with others.
Provide emotional support
Living with a chronic illness can be emotionally challenging, given the toll it can take on their mental and physical well-being. If possible, try to offer them emotional support throughout their care journey. You can provide emotional support by offering encouragement, validating their feelings, and reminding them that you are a shoulder to lean on.
You can encourage them to seek professional help, such as therapy or support groups, without impeding on their boundaries.
Practice self-care
It's essential to prioritize your well-being and practice self-care as you support your spoonie. Seek support from friends, family, or support groups, and take time to recharge. Know that you'll be more mentally and physically equipped to support your loved one when feeling your best.
Supporting someone with a chronic illness requires patience, empathy, and understanding. These tips can help you provide the support your invisible illness warrior needs. Remember, your presence and unwavering support can significantly impact their journey toward well-being and a higher quality of life with a chronic illness.
How Chronius Can Help
If living with chronic illness feels like a full time job, you aren’t alone.
That’s why at Chronius, we make it easy to navigate the healthcare system as a patient. Our online care management platform brings together all of your health records and offers a 1-click appointment prep tool that easily synthesizes your health story for your care team. You also can track all of your symptoms, identify trends, learn from vetted medical information, and follow a custom patient journey map. Plus, if you needs hands on support, our Care Advocates are available to help you with any issues you may hit up against. Personalized support as you navigate your care journey is what we are all about.
Interested in learning more and signing up for our waitlist? Claim your spot today.
