Chronic illness is any illness or disease that lasts for months, years, or a lifetime. People with a chronic illnesses have to work hard at enjoying well-being. Well-being is more comprehensive than simply physical health. Well-being includes health of the mind, emotions, and spirit.

People living with a disease know that their illness is a stressor and needs to be managed. Physical stress may include pain or discomfort, muscle weakness, fatigue, or malaise (flu-like symptoms). Managing activities of daily living is vital to general comfort. Strategies to deal with daily stress from these activities is a daily chore.

It is the perception of an event that creates or removes stress. When diagnosed with a chronic illness, some people see it as a reason to finally take better care of themselves. Others view their illness as a disaster. Whether viewed as a burden or an opportunity, feelings are created by the prevailing thought. Thoughts of disaster or burden can promote feelings of depression and hopelessness. Thoughts of challenge or opportunity can help people cope with the disease and operate from a place of inner strength.

While we may have little control over curing a disease, we can learn to cope with the stress it may cause. People who are successful:
* Know their stress signals (headaches, short tempers, fatigue, anxiousness, diarrhea, aching muscles, or flare-ups of the symptoms of their disease.)
* Assess the sources of their stress. Change the things they can, accept what they cannot change.
* Increase their energizers (nature, music, and laughter.)
* Practice positive self-talk to boost their self-image and to change negative messages. Visualize themselves relaxed and happy.
* Dream about lifetime goals and desires (even if they have a terminal illness.)
* Have a strong support network-sharing feelings with trusted friends or loved ones.
* Continue to give and to help other people.
* Spend time exploring their connection to life and to others (this may include spirituality and, or, religion.)

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