Chronic Illness and Self-Trust

What is self-trust?

Self-trust is a crucial skill that enables individuals to navigate life effectively and with confidence. A healthy sense of self-trust doesn’t mean having all the answers but rather involves being kind and respectful to oneself, regardless of the circumstances. It allows individuals to rely on their own judgment and integrity, even in the face of adversity. Those who struggle with self-esteem often face challenges with self-trust. This can be exacerbated by complex trauma, particularly experienced in childhood. Another significant factor that can impact self-trust is chronic illness.

Self-trust and chronic illness

For individuals with chronic illness, self-trust can be particularly challenging. When a person is generally healthy, it is easier to believe that their body will recover from illness. However, for those with chronic conditions, the mental strain and physical symptoms can erode their confidence in their ability to manage their condition. Furthermore, individuals with chronic illness often face skepticism and stigma about their condition from friends, family, and healthcare professionals, which can lead to self-doubt and mistrust of their own experiences. This environment of disbelief makes it harder for them to cultivate and maintain self-trust.

How to build self-trust with chronic illness

Building self-trust when dealing with a chronic illness is essential for managing one's condition effectively and maintaining overall well-being. Key strategies for developing self-trust in the context of chronic illness include the following:

• Self-compassion
  Self-compassion involves treating oneself with kindness and understanding, especially in the face of challenges and imperfections. For those with chronic illness, this means acknowledging and accepting their condition without harsh self-criticism. Practicing self-compassion helps individuals recognize their own strengths and weaknesses, fostering a more balanced self-view. By accepting their limitations while also appreciating their ability to cope, individuals can develop a stronger sense of self-trust. This acceptance allows them to trust in their capacity to handle their condition, even if it doesn’t always align with societal expectations.
• Self-advocacy
  Self-advocacy is crucial for building self-trust, particularly for those with chronic illness. Advocating for oneself involves making informed decisions about one’s health care and actively participating in one's own treatment and management. This includes communicating needs clearly to healthcare providers, seeking second opinions when necessary, and making choices that align with one's well-being. Developing self-advocacy skills empowers individuals to trust their judgment and reinforces their sense of control over their own health, which is vital for fostering self-trust.
• Self-respect
  Self-respect is about honoring and valuing oneself, which is essential for learning and growth. For individuals with chronic illness, respecting oneself means recognizing the importance of implementing strategies and making decisions that promote health and well-being. This may involve using assistive devices, adhering to medication regimens, or making lifestyle adjustments to accommodate their condition. By respecting their own needs and experiences, individuals can better learn from their past experiences and make informed choices. This respect for oneself builds a foundation for self-trust, as it encourages individuals to trust their own judgment and actions in managing their health.

The bottom line

Self-trust involves embracing self-compassion, practicing self-advocacy, and maintaining self-respect. These strategies help create a supportive internal environment wherein individuals can trust their own experiences and decisions, ultimately leading to a more empowered and fulfilling life despite the challenges posed by chronic illness.