How To Handle The Feast And Famine Cycle As an individual with chronic illness
Chronic illnesses typically endure for an extended period, often spanning a year or more. They frequently necessitate continuous medical attention and can impede the performance of daily tasks, referred to as activities of daily living, which encompass activities like personal hygiene and toileting. These challenges can also impact one's family. Chronic diseases, such as diabetes and chronic lung conditions like COPD, serve as examples. Chronic diseases cluster in individuals. Approximately one-third of men over 60 years of age have 2 or more chronic conditions and this trend increases with age. Chronic diseases occur more frequently among the poor and vulnerable. Chronic diseases have a lifelong course and place a significant burden on the patient, their families, and carers. Chronic diseases represent one of the major health challenges in Europe today. Eighty-six percent of deaths and 77% of disease burden are now caused by chronic disease. They represent the significant majority of GP consultations and hospital admissions.
Why does managing a chronic illness present such formidable challenges?
In contrast to acute illnesses like bronchitis or the flu, which typically resolve relatively quickly, chronic illnesses lack a definitive endpoint. They may persist indefinitely and can disrupt various aspects of your life.
A chronic illness is characterized by the presence of an enduring or long-term health condition, typically extending beyond a period of one year or more. Individuals dealing with chronic illnesses often find it necessary to adapt their lifestyles to effectively address and alleviate the associated symptoms.
On the flip side, there exist numerous counterarguments against voluntary euthanasia. Within the context of this demographic, some individuals may maintain a pessimistic view of life due to their circumstances. Consequently, their depression may impede their capacity to experience the positive emotions that arise in their everyday existence, potentially leading to a diminished will to live. Furthermore, as long as the patient remains alive, there remains a glimmer of hope that they might discover a cure or explore approaches to alleviate their suffering, ultimately rekindling their desire to continue living.
Depression is so prevalent among chronically ill patients that experts recommend routine screening for depressive symptoms during medical visits. Although, many symptoms of depression- fatigue, sleeplessness, and weight loss, can also be symptoms of disease or side effects of a treatment.
Depression during a chronic illness can have a significant impact on the feast or famine cycle, exacerbating the challenges individuals face in managing their health and other aspects of their lives. Depression often leads to decreased motivation, energy, and focus. Individuals with chronic illnesses may struggle to maintain consistent productivity at work or in daily activities, which can contribute to financial instability. Also, the financial burden of managing a chronic illness can be substantial. Depression may lead to neglecting medical treatments or appointments, which can result in more severe health issues and higher healthcare costs, further impacting financial stability. Depressed individuals may isolate themselves from social support networks, including friends and family. Social isolation can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and contribute to emotional struggles, creating a cycle of emotional “famine."
Fluctuating energy levels due to depression can create a challenging dynamic for individuals as they strive to maintain a balance between managing their health, work responsibilities, and personal life. This fluctuation in energy can contribute to a "feast or famine" cycle, characterized by intermittent bursts of energy followed by extended periods of exhaustion.
During periods of higher energy, individuals may feel motivated and capable of managing their chronic illness, fulfilling work duties, and engaging in social activities. However, when these bursts of energy wane, it can lead to prolonged periods of exhaustion, where managing even routine daily tasks becomes overwhelming.
The feast or famine cycle often results from the unpredictable nature of depression-related energy fluctuations. It can disrupt a person's ability to maintain consistent routines, work productivity, and social engagement. Understanding and managing these energy fluctuations is essential for individuals dealing with depression, allowing them to establish more sustainable and balanced patterns in their lives.
Managing energy fluctuations in chronic illness
Many people use the words fatigue and tired interchangeably — but for people living with a chronic illness like inflammatory arthritis, there is a huge difference. Fatigue, in this context, is a clinical symptom. It varies substantially from mere tiredness, as it cannot be readily alleviated with a dose of caffeine or a restful night's sleep. Identifying the root cause of fatigue is often intricate, with numerous factors at play, including anxiety, depression, inflammation, pain, medication side effects, sleep disturbances, and other concurrent chronic health issues.
Handling the feast and famine cycle as an individual with a chronic illness can be challenging, but with effective strategies, you can better manage your health and daily life:
Prioritizing Self-Care: It's crucial to place self-care at the forefront of your daily routine. Dedicate time for rest, relaxation, and the effective management of your chronic illness. Remember, self-care is not a luxury; it's a necessity.
Setting Realistic Goals: Consider establishing goals that are attainable on a daily or weekly basis, taking into account your current health status. Be open to modifying these goals during periods when your energy levels dip.
Fostering Open Communication: Maintain open and honest communication with both your healthcare providers and your loved ones. Share your condition, needs, and limitations with them. You'll find that support and understanding are crucial.
Crafting a Flexible Schedule: Create a daily schedule that allows for adjustments, taking into consideration the fluctuations in your energy levels and the symptoms that accompany them.
Leveraging Technology: Use technology as an ally to reduce the physical demands on your body. This can be especially helpful for tasks like online shopping, telehealth appointments, or remote work.
Seeking Assistance: Do not hesitate to seek help when necessary. Reach out to friends, and family, or even consider hiring help for tasks that may be physically taxing during your "famine" periods.
Planning for Flare-Ups: It's wise to anticipate flare-ups and establish contingency plans for both your work and daily life. This preparation can be immensely helpful during challenging times.
Advocating for Your Health: Empower yourself to advocate for your health within the healthcare system. Gain knowledge about your condition and the available treatment options.
Maintaining Medication Consistency: Adhere to your prescribed medication regimen diligently. This is vital for effectively managing your condition and preventing unnecessary complications.
Cultivating a Support Network: Keep a support network close. Friends, family, or support groups who comprehend your condition can provide the emotional support you need on this journey.
Stress Management: Incorporate stress-reduction techniques into your daily life, such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or mindfulness. These practices can help alleviate the impact of stress on your condition.
Effective Time Management: Utilize tools like calendars, to-do lists, and apps to stay organized. They can assist in managing your appointments and medications efficiently.
Personalized Routines: Recognize that there's no universal approach to managing chronic illness. Customize your daily routines to align with your unique needs and symptoms.
Continual Self-Assessment: Regularly evaluate your routines and strategies. Be open to adjustments as your condition evolves.
Striving for Balance: Aim to strike a balance between managing your health, work, and personal life. Avoid pushing yourself to the point of overexertion.
Cultivating Patience and Resilience: Be patient with yourself and build resilience to cope with the challenges that come with chronic illness and the fluctuating feast and famine cycle. Remember that you are stronger and more resilient than you may realize.
Connect with someone else
Living with a chronic illness can feel isolating and overwhelming when you try to cope alone. Meet a friend for coffee, go for a walk with your child, call a parent, or send a quick text to a loved one to let them know you’re thinking about them.
Living with a chronic illness is like embarking on a journey through ever-shifting terrain, where one must navigate the challenging 'feast and famine' cycle, adapting, and finding resilience along the way.
Remember, you're not alone on this journey. Don't hesitate to reach out, share your experiences, and find the support you need to thrive through the 'feast and famine' cycle of chronic illness.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About Chronic Diseases. (https://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/index.htm) Accessed 10/25/2023
Tackling Chronic Disease, Mary Harney, TD Accessed 10/25/2023
Taylor, Shelley E. (2018). Health Psychology (10th ed). McGraw Hill Higher Education. Indian Edition, Accessed 10/25/2023
American Psychological Association. Coping with a diagnosis of chronic illness. (https://www.apa.org/topics/chronic-illness/coping-diagnosis) Accessed 10/25/2023.