Published 8:01 am CDT, Wednesday, August 1, 2018 Image 1of/1 Caption Close Image 1 of 1 Finding Support When Living with a Chronic Illness 1 / 1 Back to Gallery (BPT) – When a person is first diagnosed with an illness, support from friends and family can be instantaneous. People want to know what they can do to help, offer to lend a hand or an ear to listen, and are frequently checking in. This support can be key to helping someone cope with a new diagnosis. But those living with a chronic condition may need support beyond the initial diagnosis. This is particularly true for conditions that are not always well understood, like rheumatoid arthritis (RA) — an autoimmune disease of the joints[i] that impacts approximately 1.6 million adults in the United States.[ii],[iii] In fact, people with RA may find their need for support from family and friends is even more important as their disease progresses than when they were first diagnosed. Why a “support squad” is important Research shows that for people living with a chronic condition, the support of family and friends may be associated with improved health outcomes.[iv] This could include additional assistance with everyday tasks or someone to listen for emotional support. Recommended Video: Now Playing: Author and former MTV VJ Karen Duffy opens up about her battle with the inflammatory disease sarcoidosis and the support she’s received from friends like George Clooney, Bill Murray and Wes Anderson. Media: People Building a “support squad” also means having someone… [Read full story]
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