Over the nearly 20 years I’ve dealt with my ci,I’ve learned that I have nothing to fear but fear itself. The worst thing to do is react with a panicked “Oh, God, I’m getting sick from working!” Instead tell myself — O.K. — I’ve had dips before — if I pace the work and chores, put off everything unecessary till next week, just focus on the things I must do this week, and take lots of down time and self-care – this will pass. My relapses usually come from self-neglect — I have so many food allergies it’s sometimes easier to skip a meal and just eat a health bar — if I can identify why I had a relapse, it helps tone down the panic.

The fear cycle just makes it all worse. Do the necessary thing, eat well if I can, take some enjoyable rest, like lying down and listening to a meditation tape, or looking at a calming movie, instead of getting through the to do list. And definitely don’t try to do something like straighten out bills on the phone!

Over the nearly 20 years I’ve dealt with my ci,I’ve learned that I have nothing to fear but fear itself. The worst thing to do is react with a panicked “Oh, God, I’m getting sick from working!” Instead tell myself — O.K. — I’ve had dips before — if I pace the work and chores, put off everything unecessary till next week, just focus on the things I must do this week, and take lots of down time and self-care – this will pass. My relapses usually come from self-neglect — I have so many food allergies it’s sometimes easier to skip a meal and just eat a health bar — if I can identify why I had a relapse, it helps tone down the panic.

The fear cycle just makes it all worse. Do the necessary thing, eat well if I can, take some enjoyable rest, like lying down and listening to a meditation tape, or looking at a calming movie, instead of getting through the to do list. And definitely don’t try to do something like straighten out bills on the phone!