Everyone has an opinion and a new way to treat your illness. Who do you listen to? What do you do with all this information people feel the need to throw at you?
(Same, Jena, same.)
In my opinion, the most frustrating part of this illness is everyone else's solutions. Let me rephrase that--it's disheartening when people judge me for how I choose to be treated, especially when I don't follow their advice.
Accepting Advice
I have a lot of people around with a lot to say. Advice can be nice but criticism can be discouraging.
If you have a friend with a chronic illness, treat them with kindness and support. Don't shove your agenda in their face and condemn them when they don't try it.
Medication vs. Holistic--A Heated Rivalry
No, these two things do not have to be enemies at all. I support both; I've changed my diet, and I'm an avid believer in the power of doTERRA, but I also use medication regularly. To some people, holistic is the only solution; while to others, a holistic approach causes more harm than good.
As the first person in my family with RA, I'm kind of flying blind. I'm open to both treatments and, eventually, I'd love to be able to treat myself completely naturally, but for now I'm sticking to a combination of the medications my rheumatologist hopes will prevent permanent joint damage -- and, ideally, send me into remission -- along with essential oils and vitamins.
Suggest With Care
Before you shove a treatment in someone's face, ask questions. Become familiar with what they're going through. Be gentle.
Please, if you get anything from this post, let it be a reminder to be loving and supportive and get all the information before assuming that your treatment will be right for them. We're trying to get through this in the healthiest and most effective way possible. Part of that is emotional health. If we feel constantly judged by the people we expect to be the most compassionate towards us, we definitely won't be the most healthy mentally.
In Conclusion
Give your friends, especially those with chronic illnesses, lots of TLC. We need it. Please support us as we work through this and try to figure out what's best for us. That's really what we need the most--not a new treatment and definitely not judgment. Show us love and patience--we're still navigating this illness.
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