I’m not sure how to describe the feeling of lost and hopelessness, but what feels like forever isn’t what it seems. Chronic illness isn’t something to dismiss, and as someone that was bedridden and not leaving my house for months on end except for doctor appointments, I can say that I spent way too many nights in misery, sadness, depression and dismay. I really struggled for a period of five years in what seemed like setback after disappointing setback. Drugs that only made things worse, dismissive medical professionals and poor healthcare resources took a toll on my mental health.

Small ways to cope with helplessness

• Coming to terms with your new reality
• There’s always tomorrow to try again
• Focus on the now, not the past or future

Find small ways to fight for yourself

I relied initially on keeping a journal of symptoms, foods I ate, and meds I took. That later evolved into using an app to track data that in turn led to some valuable insight that made huge impacts on my health at various stages. All I can offer you now is to keep up the good fight, because you are your own best advocate.