What are some coping strategies that can help patients live well with a chronic illness like lupus?
Work on Your Thinking. This is one of the most effective strategies for coping with negative feelings such as frustration, depression or anxiety that often results when one is living with a chronic unpredictable illness like lupus. Remember, you feel the way you think: Avoid thinking in all or nothing ways – I’ll never be able to enjoy the things I like to do again. Counteract this thought with a more positive one. I can still enjoy a lot of things I like, and can I discover new things to do and enjoy. Avoid jumping to conclusions. I feel tired today, I must be getting another flare-up Counteract this thought with a more likely cause. I feel tired today, I should listen to my body and take it easy today. Avoid thinking about worse case scenarios. If things don’t start improving fast I will get fired. Counteract this thought with a more realistic assessment. I have only taken one day off this month and my boss understands my situation. My other co-workers also get sick and nobody here h
