Living with chronic illness: positive lessons for everyone

“If you do not live with a chronic condition yourself, I’m sure you know of somebody who has rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis or asthma, to name but a few. People who live with a long term condition often have to adapt to changes in physical ability, appearance and/or self perceptions. They also have to deal with the impact on their family and the stress that these changes create.
However, everyone can learn something from research about chronic conditions. In life, all sorts of things happen that create stress: from temporary illnesses to accidents to divorce and bereavement. This article will focus on the positive influence that such life events can have. It often happens that such dramatic times can bring about the greatest personal growth. Positive strategies for coping with difficult experiences will also be highlighted. The main difference for those with chronic conditions is that the illness will always be there and the process of adapting never ends. Often people with long term illnesses are masters at personal growth, but don’t always realise it...”

The article continues to discuss living with chronic illness including: what happens in chronic illness, coping and coping strategies. The author, Tessa Sanderson, is a British Wheel of Yoga teacher and a researcher. She is currently working towards a PhD about well-being and treatment outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis. Comments about this article or your experience of Yoga and chronic illness (or other stressful events) can be sent via e-mail HERE. They will be treated in the strictest confidence.