Kim James 
Facing a serious health diagnosis like cancer or heart disease can also shock your mental health.
The first and most important thing to remember about your diagnosis and how you respond emotionally is that you’re not powerless. And you’re not alone. There are endless resources available for people in your exact situation to help you navigate this unbecoming life challenge.
If you are facing a chronic illness and need ongoing treatment, here are six powerful ways to get it. Take charge of your health and make the most of life with these steps today.
1. Find an Online Doctor for Chronic Care
The thing about chronic disease management is … it’s established. Much like the disease itself, caring for it is a task that will never go away. It’s essential, therefore, to find ongoing care that is simple, accessible, and won’t take up too much of your time.
That’s where an online doctor comes in. No matter what you have – from diabetes to high blood pressure, bronchitis to colitis – there’s an online doctor for that.
Set up an appointment with your doctor as soon as you can. Either get an appointment with your care provider or find one through an online health service. That way, they’re a text/phone call/video chat away whenever you need them.
2. Set Up Your Prescriptions
Life is busy, especially when you’re dealing with the unexpected. Making the most of your time throughout the day can feel like a challenge, especially if you’re tired to boot.
One of the best ways to minimize you care is to set up prescriptions through an online doctor. Once you set it up the first time, you can regularly renew them with your online doctor. Then they’ll come right to your doorstep … easy breezy.
3. Coordinate Your Care
Building a more comprehensive care network is critical now that you have an online doctor and online prescriptions. Your specialists, lab testing centers, mental healthcare providers, and everyone else must be linked.
Make sure you speak to both your primary online doctor and other members of your care team. Let them all know about your range of care. Leave details on your charts for all providers.
That way, they can contact the necessary people if they have to. And your family members – those who have access to your health info – will also have an easier time.
4. Get Mental Health Care If Needed
Speaking of mental health, it is even more important after you receive bad news. Whether your chronic condition requires a lifetime of management or comes with a terminal diagnosis doesn’t matter. Either way, you’re naturally frightened, overwhelmed, and sad.
A counselor can help. This in-person or online doctor can help you navigate challenging times. You may also see names such as a therapist, licensed clinical social worker, or psychologist.
If you also need medication for your mental health, look for a psychiatrist. They’re the only ones who can do it on the above list.
5. You’re In Good Company – So Find It
As of 2018, more than 50 percent of American adults had a chronic condition. You are far from alone if you suffer from a disease that will never disappear.
The good news is that there are support groups for almost any disease you can think of. From alcoholism to heart disease to cancer, you can find like-minded people to talk to.
Ask your regular or online doctor where the groups are that match your condition. Then pay a visit.
6. Get Urgent Care When You Need It
Having an online doctor for primary care is excellent, but they’re not always available. This is especially true when surprises arise. If you’re managing a chronic condition, they’re bound to eventually.
That’s where urgent care comes in. You need an online doctor who can respond to you at the moment, right then. It’s better to find your urgent care resources before you need them, so don’t wait to figure it out.
Takeaways
Too long, didn’t read? Here’s the short form you need to know about managing a chronic condition.
If you have a chronic illness, one of the best things you can do is find an online doctor for regular care. They’ll provide you with the help you need on an ongoing basis without you having to leave home. It’s faster, easier, and healthier than relying on a physical hospital or clinic.
To flesh out your care, set up prescriptions and coordinate your care team. That way, medical professionals and your family members will have an easier time supporting you on your health journey.
Mental health matters, too, especially when facing a health crisis or chronic condition. Get mental health if you need it from a counselor or therapist. Find a good support group to help you through this challenging time, which will help ground your mental health.
Lastly, make sure you have a go-to source for urgent care help. It’s best to know what this is before the crisis occurs!
Chronic Conditions Don’t Have to Rule Your Life.
Whether you’ve just received your diagnosis or have been living with it since birth, you don’t have to give yourself to its management. With the proper chronic condition care, you can meet your health needs and live a life that is comfortable, enjoyable, and happy.
