It is likely that you may experience a roller coaster of emotions. As an adult, you might deal with the mental and emotional challenges of having vasculitis differently than younger people. You might also have different concerns, including:
- If you will be able to work again and at what capacity?
- If you can have a good quality of life?
- Will you be able to manage all the losses?
- Financial concerns—How will the financial burden impact you and your family?
Because vasculitis may take an emotional toll, it is vital that you learn some effective ways to manage the stress and emotional toll of having vasculitis. Below are some tips for managing your mental health.
- Talking with your health care team about how you are feeling. It might be difficult to talk with your health care team at first, but it is critical you do so. It is important to remember that you are the expert on how you feel. Your doctors are vasculitis experts who want to help, but they are not mind readers.
- Get professional help. You might prefer talking about some things with a professional. A counsellor/therapist or social worker can help. Most hospitals have mental health professionals who can help you cope with having vasculitis. Ask your doctor to recommend someone who knows how to work with individuals with chronic illness or loss and grief as it relates to chronic illness.
- Talk with loved ones. Talking with someone you trust, such as your spouse/partner, other family member, a friend, or someone in your religious community; they may be able to help you sort out what you are feeling and thinking.
- Talk with other adults with vasculitis. Other people with vasculitis may be going through many of the same things you are. They might share your worries and concerns. They can also give you emotional support and suggest ways to cope.
- Find support online. Talking online can sometimes be easier than talking in person. Find a community/forum you can find support. We have developed a support forum for you as well as blog to share your thoughts and feelings with others.
- Writing, drawing, or creating. When you do not feel like talking, writing can help. You can write your thoughts, and feelings, in a journal or blog. Or you might prefer to draw or write a poem.
- Listen to music to help you stay calm
- If you are able, register in a mindfulness class (e.g., yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi). Engaging the mind, body and spirit can help deal with anxiety, pain and other symptoms of or side effects of treatment.