Cycles of Chronic Illness Emotion

If there is one thing I have learned through being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, it is that I have to be able to handle my emotions. Sometimes I feel like a teenage girl going through puberty. One day I am happy, and the next I am an emotional mess.

Having chronic illness can really throw your emotions for a loop. When I was diagnosed I started with being in complete shock. “There is no way I could have Multiple Sclerosis”, I thought. “This can not be real life”.

As time went on, I would get angry at my body for failing me. I would get angry at my limitations, angry that my life wouldn’t be picture perfect, angry that I might end up in a wheelchair.

Than came the tears.

The more I thought about my future, the more sadness I would feel. The tears would roll out like waved in the ocean. My emotions were at high tide, and I let the tears flow.

With tears down my face, I would try to get my left hand (numb from a flare up) to work like it should. Anger would boil back up, and this cycle would go on.

Finally, through patience and perseverance I would find acceptance with my illness. This acceptance may only last a short period of time, but those moments where I find acceptance are the moments I find the most peace.

In acceptance I find ways to move my life forward. I find ways to become more successful than I ever dreamed. In acceptance, I become the person I was meant to be.

Below is a diagram that outlines what I think most chronic illness fighters have to go through.

Do you want to learn how to handle these emotions? Check out this article.

Do you find you have the same emotional cycle? I would like to hear from you. Comment below!

Dave