While surfing the net, I came across uplifting tips by "Help Guide"! Writing is a great form of Personal Therapy. Try "Gratitude Journaling". As I wrote the steps below, I quoted encouraging words from the article entitled, "Living Well with a Disability" By the Merriam-Webster definition, a disability is "a physical or mental condition that limits a person's movements, senses, or activities. a physical, mental, cognitive, or developmental condition that impairs, interferes with, or limits a person's ability to engage in certain tasks or actions or participate in typical daily activities and interactions". In other words, a condition that limits your life! On behalf of My Epilepsy Community, I can strongly state that epilepsy is very limiting. Yes, epilepsy is unique to each person, but these steps may still be beneficial, even if you are not diagnosed with a medical condition!! Furthermore, sadly some may battle depression.
Chóng Lǎoshī 老師 ☺#thechonglaoshi
I'm not a licensed doctor. I'm a licensed teacher. I'm a fighter researching and sharing her discoveries!
What Works for One, May Not Work for Another.
...Below are Great Life Tips...
Chóng Lǎoshī 老師 ☺#thechonglaoshi
I'm not a licensed doctor. I'm a licensed teacher. I'm a fighter researching and sharing her discoveries!
What Works for One, May Not Work for Another.
...Below are Great Life Tips...
Besides having to heal one's body, the diagnosis of a condition can affect one's mind & spirit.
If not due to a condition, personal traits, or past events can also affect one's mind & spirit.
GOAL: To Gain Confidence & Live Our Best Lives!
Yes You Can! 是的你可以!
In hopes of helping another with their new life chapter, in 4 Steps I have shared what has helped me.
All Pictures are Links to Great Tips... #BestWishes
Chóng Lǎoshī 老師 ☺ #thechonglaoshi
If not due to a condition, personal traits, or past events can also affect one's mind & spirit.
GOAL: To Gain Confidence & Live Our Best Lives!
Yes You Can! 是的你可以!
In hopes of helping another with their new life chapter, in 4 Steps I have shared what has helped me.
All Pictures are Links to Great Tips... #BestWishes
Chóng Lǎoshī 老師 ☺ #thechonglaoshi
- Let it all out! Write in a journal. Talk with someone who will not judge. Keywords: "will not judge"! Speak with someone who will not tell you how you should feel or will not state negative opinions. Still, we may not all have this special someone, so don't be afraid to let it all out in a journal!
- When diagnosed with epilepsy, one of the main battles to overcome is the feeling of losing one's independence, not feeling "normal" anymore, a feeling of becoming a different person, someone different than you were prior to diagnosis. This person is not worse, simply different and there is nothing wrong with becoming different.
- You are seeing the world through a different lens. You are going to learn so much about yourself. #YesYouCan
- "Don’t try to ignore or suppress your feelings. It’s only human to want to avoid pain, but just like you won’t get over an injury by ignoring it, you can’t work through grief without allowing yourself to feel it and actively deal with it. Allow yourself to fully experience your feelings without judgement."
- "You don’t have to put on a happy face. Learning to live with a disability isn’t easy. Having bad days doesn’t mean you’re not brave or strong. And pretending you’re okay when you’re not doesn’t help anyone—least of all your family and friends. Let the people you trust know how you’re really feeling. It will help both them and you."
- "Just trust that with time, the lows will become less intense and you will begin to find your new normal."
- Next, one must accept the condition, personal trait, or past event as apart of one's new life.
- It is a great feeling to know that you are not alone. I have met fellow epilepsy fighters and I have learned their stories. You can join a support group (in person or online) with others who are undergoing similar trials. If you cannot find a specific group for your needs, try broadening your search or making your own. Just be mindful that sometimes a support group may make you relive past emotions that you have already gotten through. Note: Use the support group for your needs. There is nothing wrong with leaving a support group or else you may not continue to grow.
- Please, do not dwell on the past or dwell on what you can no longer do.
- "Acceptance can feel like giving in —throwing in the towel on life and your future. But refusing to accept the reality of your limitations keeps you stuck. It prevents you from moving forward, making the changes you need to make, and finding new goals."
- "Accepting help doesn’t make you weak. In fact, it can make you stronger...Having someone to talk to about what
you’re going through can make a huge difference. While loved ones can provide great support in this way, you may also want to consider talking to a therapist." - "It’s healthy to grieve the life you’ve lost, but it’s not healthy to continue looking back and wishing for a return to your pre-disability “normal.” As tough as it is, it’s important to let go of the past and accept where you are."
- "You can be happy, even in a “broken” body. It may not seem like it now, but the truth is that you can build a happy, meaningful life for yourself, even if you’re never able to walk, hear, or see like you use to. It may help to search out inspiring stories of people with disabilities who are thriving and living lives they love. You can learn from others who have gone before you, and their successes can help you stay motivated during tough times."
- After Acceptance, I had to come to a Realization. Your friends and family may shower you with optimism, but optimism can sometimes bring false hope. Optimism is being hopeful of the future. Pessimism is believing that the worst is coming. Instead, we must be realistic. Realism is taking both the positives and negatives and becoming practical. Yes, becoming realistic of one's capabilities can be rather difficult, but you can do it!
- Living with epilepsy, I have to be my own detective. I pay attention to what has made me this "new me". I try my best to pay attention to what I can do and to somehow find the positives that have come from this negative.
- Eg. I am very glad that prior to diagnosis, I was already somewhat ambidextrous (ability to use both hands equally). Since living with epilepsy, I have become even more ambidextrous. Why? Seizures affect muscles. If I cannot use one hand, then I have to use the other or take turns using one at a time while the other is at rest.
- Some of your original life goals may no longer be attainable, but sometimes change is good. You may have to make new life goals, re-think your purpose in life, & come to the conclusion that change is okay!
- Before finding your purpose, start by realizing your abilities. Start a list entitled "I Can...". This can help lift your spirits. Find a hobby and/or a job. Please, DO NOT dismiss any of your abilities as "too small". Include ALL abilities in your list. Yes you will come across your "cannots", BUT be patient and be your own detective. #YesYouCan
- "It goes without saying that your disability has already changed your life in big ways. It doesn’t help to live in denial about that. You’ve got limitations that make things more difficult. But with commitment, creativity, and a willingness to do things differently, you can reduce the impact your disability has on your life."
- "Be your own advocate... As you take charge, you’ll also start to feel less helpless and more empowered."
- "Take advantage of the things you can do...Try to let go of any embarrassment or fear of stigma. You are not defined by the aids you use."
- Once you have become realistic and have started to take note of your abilities, you will be able to start making realistic life goals or change your original goals to better fit your current abilities and needs.
- I love to educate and help others. Thus, the reason for my YouTube Series, Seize The Day Page, Empathy Page, Life Page, Recovery Page, and Journal Page. I want to help my fellow epilepsy fighters and enlighten more people!
- If you are unable to work, finding a hobby is so important and uplifting. It gives you a purpose in life.
- BUT most importantly and in reference to Step 1: Grieve/Mourn, I mentioned seeing the world through a different lens. I have found that my #1 change has been my attention to my health (diet, exercise, sleep, and happiness). Please, pay attention to your health. Get your rest and do not push yourself more than it can handle. #YesYouCan
- "A disability can take away many aspects of your identity, leaving you questioning who you are, what your value is, and where you fit in society. It’s easy to start feeling useless and empty, especially if you can’t do the same work or activities as you did before. That’s why it’s important to find new things that make you feel good about yourself—things that give you a renewed sense of meaning and purpose."
- "Volunteering is a great way to feel more productive and like you’re making a difference. And it’s something you can do even if you have limited mobility or can’t work. Pick a cause you’re passionate about and then figure out how you can get involved. There are numerous opportunities out there—many of which can even be done from home."
- "Develop new hobbies and activities that make you happy. A disability can make the activities you used to enjoy more difficult, or even impossible. But staying engaged will make a big difference in your mental health. Look for creative ways to participate differently in old favorites, or take this opportunity to develop new interests."
- "Find ways to give back to those who help you. When you’re disabled, you often must accept a lot of help from friends and family. This is not a bad thing! But it will make you feel good if you find ways to reciprocate. For example, maybe you’re great with computers and can help a tech-challenged family member. Or maybe you’re a good listener your friends know they can count on when they need someone to talk to. Even things as small as a thank you card or a genuine compliment count."
- "Take care of an animal. Caring for an animal is a great way to get outside of yourself and give you a sense of being needed. And while animals are no substitution for human connection, they can bring joy and companionship into your life and help you feel less isolated. If you aren’t able to have a pet, there are other ways to find animal companionship, including volunteering at your local animal shelter or veterinarian’s office."
- "In order to feel your best, it’s important to support and strengthen your health with regular exercise, a healthy diet, plenty of sleep, and effective stress management." Help Guide also provides a list of health tips for everyone.
Page Resources: @chonglaoshi, @thechonglaoshi, #thechonglaoshi, HelpGuide.Org/articles/healthy-living/living-well-with-a-disability.htm, https://www.clinical-depression.co.uk/depression-learning-path, https://themighty.com/2020/07/depression-gratitude-journaling-table-categories-format/, www.buildingafricasfuture.today
*This Site does NOT Promote Brands; it simply Shares Experiences. *This site is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition or disease. #thechonglaoshi
*This Site does NOT Promote Brands; it simply Shares Experiences. *This site is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition or disease. #thechonglaoshi