Living with a chronic condition presents a multifaceted challenge, often requiring individuals to adjust to a “new normal” that affects their daily routines, emotional well-being, and social interactions. The unpredictable nature of symptoms and ongoing medical treatments can result in physical limitations, contributing to feelings of anxiety, depression, and isolation.¹
Managing a chronic condition often includes adopting lifestyle changes such as modifying diet, incorporating exercise tailored to the individual, and following prescribed treatments to stabilize the condition.² Beyond physical care, emotional resilience is crucial, and practices like mindfulness and connecting with support networks have been shown to help individuals cope better with the psychological burden of chronic illness.³
Support from family, friends, or peers can significantly reduce the emotional strain, while spiritual practices also play a role in promoting hope and mental well-being.⁴ Embracing a comprehensive approach—combining physical health, mental well-being, and a strong support system—can empower individuals to better manage the challenges associated with chronic condition.
Whether you’re living with ulcerative colitis, chronic kidney disease, lymphoma, or diabetes, below are five TED Talks to help educate and motivate you on your journey:
- “The Silent Killer: The Lack of Awareness Surrounding Chronic Kidney Disease” highlights the dangers of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and the widespread lack of awareness about its symptoms, risk factors, and long-term consequences. The talk emphasizes the importance of early detection, education, and proactive healthcare measures to prevent CKD from progressing to life-threatening stages, particularly for high-risk individuals.
- “What Happens When You Have a Disease Doctors Can’t Diagnose” explores the struggles of living with a chronic condition that remains undiagnosed or misunderstood by the medical community. Brea shares her personal journey with myalgic encephalomyelitis (chronic fatigue syndrome) and highlights the emotional and physical toll of being dismissed by doctors, emphasizing the need for greater awareness, research, and medical validation for poorly understood diseases.
- “One Diet Change” discusses the profound impact that dietary choices can have on managing chronic conditions, particularly kidney disease. Sunwold shares his personal experience of reversing kidney damage through plant-based nutrition, highlighting how small yet intentional changes in diet can significantly improve health outcomes and overall well-being.
- “Chronic Disease is Everywhere” explores the widespread impact of chronic conditions on individuals and healthcare systems globally. Dr. Oberg discusses the root causes of chronic diseases, the role of lifestyle choices in prevention, and the importance of shifting healthcare approaches toward proactive management rather than reactive treatment.
- “A Personal Health Coach for Those Living with Chronic Diseases” highlights the benefits of personalized healthcare support for individuals managing long-term conditions. Dr. Pemu discusses how health coaching can empower people by providing education, motivation, and tailored strategies to improve their quality of life, emphasizing the importance of guidance in navigating the complexities of chronic condition management.
References
- Benkel I, Ljungqvist E, Arnby M, Molander U. “Not Thinking that This Means the End When You Are Seriously Ill but Doing Something Positive about It”-A Qualitative Study of Living with a Life-Changing Disease. Diseases. 2019;7(3):53. Published 2019 Sep 11. doi:10.3390/diseases7030053
- Siu AMH, Chan SCC, Cheung MKT, Shek DTL. Predictors of psychosocial adaptation and mental well-being among people with chronic illnesses and disabilities in Hong Kong. Rehabil Couns Bull. 2024;67(2):147-158. doi:10.1177/00343552221115864.
- Jeong SM. Primary Care Physicians’ Important Role: Lifestyle Modification for Chronic Disease Management. Korean J Fam Med. 2024;45(5):237-238. doi:10.4082/kjfm.45.5E
- Strom JL, Egede LE. The impact of social support on outcomes in adult patients with type 2 diabetes: a systematic review. Curr Diab Rep. 2012;12(6):769-781. doi:10.1007/s11892-012-0317-0
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