Have you ever felt like you just want to stay in bed or relax in a warm bubble bath all day? It’s easy to forget how chronic illnesses can truly impact a person.

Living with an autoimmune disease can be incredibly challenging because no one can fully understand your situation except yourself. If you’re a caregiver for someone with a chronic illness, you can see the physical effects: fatigue, flares, weight fluctuations, and overall appearance. But do you know what they’re going through emotionally?

People with autoimmune diseases face numerous physical and emotional struggles daily. These can include brain fog, weight gain, severe fatigue, feelings of isolation, difficulty maintaining relationships, unemployment, and fear of the future.

If you suffer from a chronic illness, you might wish you could go back to a time before your diagnosis. Unfortunately, life may never be as simple as it was. It’s demanding to face new challenges every day, and sometimes you need help from others to get through it. Learning how to cope with a chronic illness can significantly impact how you handle daily struggles. That’s why it’s important to have a support system of people who understand what you’re going through.

Fighting a chronic illness can be overwhelming. I’ve felt weary and burdened by the struggle on many occasions. I try to be strong, but sometimes, tears are shed, and I temporarily feel defeated.

A recent speech by Sybil challenged me to think about the opposite of defeat. Instead of focusing on negativity, could I cultivate an overcoming mindset despite my decade-long journey with a chronic illness? Honestly, this battle has been gruelling, and I haven’t always handled it gracefully. Sometimes, I need inspiration to even get out of bed in the morning.

During difficult times, I’ve felt confused and angry about the changes in my life.

I’ve spent countless hours reminiscing about what I used to do and what I had before my illness. These comparisons often lead to loss and frustration. In contrast, people with an overcoming mindset choose to focus on the positive aspects of their lives. By focusing on what they do have, they can find new and creative ways to share their gifts and talents with the world. 

As I’ve begun to implement these principles, I’ve discovered more peace in my current situation and found unique opportunities to share my story with others. I’m learning that overcomers give themselves permission to redefine their identity despite their struggles. They see light where others may see darkness.

As I absorb this idea deeply, I find myself thinking, “Although I am different than I was before, I know that better days still await me.” It’s a relief to know that a change in my life doesn’t have to mean the end of my future.

Although we may find ourselves in unexpected situations, cultivating an overcoming mindset can make a significant difference in our lives. It allows us to discover hope, beauty, and life even in our darkest days and celebrate the milestones during better times.

Instead of being defeated by the seemingly impossible nature of our circumstances, we can emerge strengthened, transformed, and with the ability to celebrate the smallest victories.