Self Care Tips
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Keeping your space clean and tidy
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long hot bubble baths
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art – painting, drawing, etc
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reaching out to a friend and talking with them
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reading or watching netflix
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naps
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taking a shower and getting dressed
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or maybe staying in your pj’s all day
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going for a walk
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laugh
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Play with or cuddle with a pet
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prayer (or something related to whichever religion you practice)
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change the sheets on your bed (pillow cases too)
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mindfulness
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journaling
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Asking a friend to look over your schedule and see if maybe you are taking on too much.
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Keeping your doctors appointments
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seeing a therapist or having a mentor
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set time limits on school work/studying and take breaks
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keep a gratitude list
The Importance of a Psychologist
Clinical psychologists assess, diagnose and treat individuals suffering from psychological distress and mental illness. They also perform psychotherapy and develop treatment plans. Clinical psychologists often work in hospitals, mental health clinics, and private practice.
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It can be very difficult to find a therapist who specializes in your exact chronic condition, but I highly recommend seeking out an individual who has experience treating patients with chronic illness.
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Additionally, if spirituality is something that will impact your care, then you should ask good questions that will lead you to an individual who will be a good fit for those needs as well.
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It's okay to interview a few people before making your final decision about who you feel most comfortable with. Ultimately, you're paying them for a service and they are there to help you.
The Importance Of A Psychiatrist
Psychiatrist: A physician who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of mental illness. A psychiatrist must receive additional training and serve a supervised residency in his or her specialty. Psychiatrists can prescribe medication, which psychologists cannot do.
A Psychiatrist is an important member of the treatment team because they are well versed in many medications and their potential interactions. They can prescribe anti depressants, anti anxiety, etc but also work side by side with your chronic illness health care provider to be sure that none of the combinations of medications will have adverse side effects or make you sick.