How to cope when your symptoms are terrifying you

Hello people,
I hope you are alright and had a decent day. If you didn't and/or don't feel good right now, I hope you'll feel better soon.
Many people with a chronic illness are used to lots of symptoms that would terrify those who don't have a chronic illness, but sometimes even we get terrified by our symptoms, maybe they got worse or we are experiencing something new. Since I'm going through a set of new symptoms and got really scared for a bit, I thought I'd share some advice on how to cope during such times-whether you have a chronic illness or not.

1) Don't use these online symptom checkers-because they'll always tell you something bad, even if you just have a cold. If you do use them, then please be aware that you shouldn't take the results too seriously.

2) Talk. Talk to your family, the person you love, your cat/dog/other pet. Because keeping it all to yourself won't help your worries.

3) If you feel like you can't talk (don't have a pet, family doesn't support you, friends have their own problems etc.), then at least write it down, get it off your mind.

4) Think-maybe you took a new medication? Supplements? A new food that you introduced into your diet? Because that might be an explanation.

5) Cry if you need/want to. It helps.

6) Self care. Take extra good care of yourself; and by that I don't mean fancy bubble baths and shopping trips like you see on social media (unless that's what you really want and need of course). I mean taking long hot showers, eating chocolate or whatever comfort food you like, stay in bed all day...just be kind with yourself.

7) Go see a doctor. They are trained medical professionals and they'll most likely help you to stop worrying and find the cause of your symptoms. And if they're rude, don't take you seriously etc.- fire them. This might be hard, but suffering is harder.

I hope this helps you guys and that you'll find an explanation soon. Lots of love to all of you!

The Walrus

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