Are you feeling overwhelmed and exhausted from trying to juggle the demands of being a parent and managing a chronic illness? You’re not alone. In this article, Leann Stickel, who has lived with multiple sclerosis for over 10 years, and is a mother of four, shares her story and how she has developed the mental strength to cope with her disease and motherhood. Leann will be providing useful tips and advice on how to manage stress, fatigue, and other symptoms, while also providing us with insight on how to remain hopeful in the face of adversity. We will explore how Leann’s story is a testament to how it is possible to live well with a chronic illness and be an amazing parent. So let’s jump in and explore how Leann is dealing with her MS while raising her four children.
Here are the steps you need to follow to also get mental wellness.:
1. Give yourself time to process and accept your diagnosis.
2. Make a plan for worst-case scenarios and put it to rest.
3. Educate yourself on the treatment options available.
4. Develop mental strength to cope with hard times.
5. Address stress and fatigue and learn how to manage them.
6. Communicate with your family and create space for rest and relaxation.
1. Give yourself time to process and accept your diagnosis.
Giving yourself time to process and accept your diagnosis is to allow yourself to go through the different stages of grief. It is important to take time to go through the different stages of sadness, anger, bargaining, depression, and eventually, acceptance. It is a process that can take time, and it is important to allow yourself to go through all of these stages without judgement. Taking time to journal or talk to a friend or counselor can be beneficial during this process. It is important to remember that you are not alone and that there are many people who have gone through the same thing and can understand the emotions and confusion you may be feeling. It is also important to remember that the diagnosis does not define you and that it is possible to still live a fulfilling life. Finally, it is important to find ways to cope with your diagnosis and to learn how to manage stress and fatigue. Finding support groups or ways to practice self-care can be beneficial in helping you to accept your diagnosis and to keep living life to the fullest.
2. Make a plan for worst-case scenarios and put it to rest.
The transcript is to make a plan for worst-case scenarios and put it to rest. Leanne Stickles, the guest speaker on the podcast, explains how she dealt with this step in her own journey with MS. She advises newly diagnosed people to pause and allow themselves to be sad. It is an important step in acknowledging the hard reality of the diagnosis. Leanne then suggests to “picture the worst, like worst case scenario, like vision loss, wheelchair, whatever that is, and cover. What exactly are you going to do? Let’s say it happens, right? Like, are you going to build it or can you move or what are you going to do? And make a plan and then like, put it to rest, put it, send it on the shelf.” This plan can be a helpful tool to prepare for the worst but also to put the worst-case scenario out of the mind and focus on the present. After making a plan, Leanne recommends learning tools to develop mental strength, reducing stress, and respecting rest. These steps will help to manage the symptoms of MS and make it easier to cope with the diagnosis.
3. Educate yourself on the treatment options available.
In order to educate yourself on the treatment options available for chronic illness, it is important to do plenty of research and speak with a doctor to get an accurate diagnosis. Speak with your doctor about various medications, lifestyle changes, and other treatments that may be appropriate for your individual situation. Additionally, consider talking to other people with the same condition or joining a support group online. This can be a great way to learn more about treatments and to get advice from those with firsthand experience. It is also important to understand the possible side effects of any medications and treatments. Be sure to ask your doctor any questions or concerns you have about the treatments available. Lastly, it is also helpful to read up on the latest medical research and treatments available. This can help to keep you informed and may give you a better understanding of the treatments available.
4. Develop mental strength to cope with hard times.
Developing mental strength to cope with hard times is essential for those dealing with chronic illness. Leanne Stickles, a mother of four with MS, describes her journey and offers insight into how to cope with hard times. She emphasizes the importance of allowing yourself to experience the sadness and mourning the future that you had envisioned. She also encourages developing tools to manage stress and fatigue, as these can have a large impact on your body. Additionally, Leanne suggests developing mental strength by communicating with family and allowing yourself to rest when needed. This can help you to enjoy the evening as a family and to recognize that resting is an accomplishment in itself. Finally, Leanne mentions being aware of the potential effects of stress and refraining from revisiting stressful situations. By utilizing these strategies, you can develop mental strength to cope with hard times.
5. Address stress and fatigue and learn how to manage them.
Managing stress and fatigue is a key step in managing a chronic illness. One way to address stress and fatigue is to take time to rest. This can be done by setting aside a specific time each day to rest, such as a nap or a break from work or other commitments. Additionally, it is important to recognize when stress levels are increasing and to take steps to reduce that stress. This may include reducing the amount of external stimuli, such as noise or other distractions, or talking with a friend or family member about the stress. It can also be helpful to practice mindfulness or relaxation techniques to help reduce stress levels. Finally, it is important to recognize when fatigue is increasing and to take steps to manage it. This may include creating a consistent sleep schedule, getting adequate nutrition, and engaging in activities that help to reduce stress and promote relaxation. By taking the time to rest and manage stress and fatigue, individuals can better manage their chronic illness.
6. Communicate with your family and create space for rest and relaxation.
In order to communicate with your family and create space for rest and relaxation, it is important to have open dialogue with your family. Talking with your family about your needs can help them understand and support you better. Establishing a routine that includes rest and relaxation is also key. This can include taking breaks throughout the day, taking naps, doing yoga, or anything else that helps you relax. Finally, it is important to recognize the impact of stress and fatigue and do what you can to reduce both. This can include reducing stress-inducing activities, such as revisiting stressful topics multiple times, and taking time to relax and reduce fatigue. This can include getting plenty of sleep and taking breaks throughout the day.
I’d love to hear how you apply Mental Strength Strategy to get mental wellness..
Leave me a comment on how it went for you or drop any questions you want me to answer!
