How can we encourage and comfort each other?
Part of our daily struggles with our health includes battling the emotional side effects of our illnesses. None of us are the people we once were. Some of us feel weaker physically and emotionally and some of us the opposite. And all of us know what it’s like to go through the motions. We deal with judgement from others - usually individuals who have no idea what we are coping with and those who are ignorant of our daily battle. We cope with those who choose to walk out of our lives who deem us a burden- this includes close family members. We are accused of being lazy, accused of being selfish, even accused of faking it. We cope with relentless pain, exhaustion and a barrage of other illnesses. We go through each day mostly alone, depending on ourselves to muster up the courage, the energy, the determination to make the most of it, to find purpose and a sense of accomplishment. This takes immense fortitude!!!! To struggle with physical pain, the emotional pain, the loss of friends and family, the endless doctors visits, the new diagnosis, the hopeless prognosis, the confusion, the worry, the good days, the bad days and all the while working hard to contribute our very best to society and not let anyone see our pain is a feat of a warrior.
I write this as a reminder that few places like this exist. A place where we can find others who understand, who validate our feelings, who are compassionate and want to listen. A place where we don’t call names or make personal evaluations of others lives and situations- a place that is a safe haven. A place where we can express our inner feelings and be understood. We should never be afraid to post about our depressed emotions or of our struggle to stay motivated in fear of being called names or have accusations hurled at us.
We work hard everyday to be strong but we can’t always be strong. That is why we come here. To tell others we are feeling weak, others who might feel a little stronger and know that together we can carry on. We all have the need and the right to be treated with dignity, to be treated with kindness and gentleness.
I’m grateful to have somewhere, where after a long day, a new and scary treatment, failed medications, a discouraging encounter, a frustrating doctors visit, a diagnosis of a new illness, when I feel like I’ve been sucked dry of every last drop of strength I can muster, I can come and tell you guys and you will be there for me when no one else is.
We Have Lost a Dear Friend
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When Lockdown is Over ????
read this re fear and covid The Guardian
Life with RA even when it is fairly well controlled...
