Managing a medical condition is a new normal, sometimes a strained one, especially when adjustments in daily routines is more than just surface-level but something you really have to plan around. It may seem like the journey is one you take alone, because of course, your experience is yours.
However, the support of a caring loved one can and will help someone feel so much more capable in their daily life. You’re note weak for needing that extra support, in fact it can help the relationship between you both flourish. Moreover, people often want to help, believe it or not, so don’t feel like a burden.
Now, it remains important to adhere to the guidance provided by healthcare professionals; however, an extra set of supportive hands can hugely ease the process of adapting to new ways of living. But in order for someone to help you, you have to let them know how to do so. That doesn’t mean they can’t independently learn of course, it just might take some time to adapt to how those requirements are best suited to you and your needs.
In this post, we’ll discuss some ways to achieve that:
Open Communication About Needs
It’s hard to talk about “silver linings” to medical conditions without seeming completely insensitive, but the truth is that there’s hardly a life situation that makes you more honest and open with other people. This is especially important for a loved one or friend as it lays the groundwork for them partnering to help you, and being able to communicate with you on a daily basis for that.
A loved one who takes the time to listen and understand specific challenges can be an incredible helper and really allows you to talk about your vulnerabilities, difficulties or concerns. Now, that doesn’t mean every discussion between you needs to sound like a medical visit. But describing personal routines and explaining limits can help them better help you, be that you wanting to try something yourself or your need to try a new diet.
That helps you limit misunderstandings but also builds trust and eases certain tension that can come when anyone is dealing with tough life experience. Think of how a heavily pregnant woman might ask her partner to put her socks on in the morning, little acts of love and friendship like this might need more direction than usual, and it’s a good analogy for your medical condition.
Understanding Your Condition Together
A medical condition comes with a lot of info to take in. It requires effort. So, taking the time to learn about the medical condition as a team can be a great step toward better management. Together you could do the reading, watch educational videos, or attend health consultations, as it opens up a clearer picture of what to expect. You could even go to support groups together if you’re feeling nervous or invite them to other meetings.
This means you don’t have to teach your friend or loved one everything. It is not necessary for a supporter to become an expert either, as even a basic understanding of the condition’s challenges will help them know what you’re going through, which can sometimes be enough.
Connecting With Healthcare Providers
Some health conditions mean you’re going to have a tough time keeping close watch and notes on your experience, but a healthcare professional may prefer that. Your loved one or friend can help you if you ask them to, even if that just means helping you put your medication in order.
Moreover, arranging appointments together or reviewing care instructions can ensure that both parties remain informed about treatment updates, be that through your chiropractic services, occupational therapy or countless other necessities.
Emotional Support & Shared Wellbeing
It’s simply nice to have someone on your side and willing to help. Of course, it’s important to give back to them as much as you can as well, offering friendship and love.
It’s true that coping with a medical condition can stir a mix of emotions that sometimes feel hard to manage. A little gentle reassurance during trying times can ease the emotional toll that can come with the ups and downs of handling a medical issue. If you can share a good joke, watch a movie, listen to music, enjoy a good meal and generally make light of your daily experiences, then that can be restorative for you both.
It’s also important to be open and honest, such as knowing when your partner or friend has to deal with their own responsibilities, or learning to balance both of your needs together. Remember though that because of your medical condition it might not be a 50:50 give and take, which is acceptable and understandable, so don’t feel bad. You would no doubt be doing the exact same if the roles were reversed here.
Balance Your Daily Routine
It’s important to balance your daily routine around one another, as it’s important to remember the person helping you has their own life, they need time to rest, they might need a break, and sometimes they may also have another life outside of helping you. This is normal for carers and if they can share the load that can be worthwhile.
But if you can implement small adjustments such as setting aside usual times for rest, medication, and gentle activity, it can make each day more predictable. A reliable routine may reduce the stress that worry over your medical condition brings, because it gives you a kind of control.
If you’re focused, you may also find that you get to enjoy more free time than you otherwise would, perhaps freeing up nice times to connect together, such as baking, watching movies, or just enjoying slow walks through the park.
With this advice, you’ll be sure to help a loved one help you manage your medical condition, accounting for their general daily needs, and balancing your energies together well. It will also help you stay optimistic and value one another as time goes by.