Maintaining Positive Outlook When Coping With Myositis

Myositis

For those living with myositis, the temptation to focus on their debilitating symptoms of fatigue, stress, muscle weakness, and swallowing difficulties is hard to resist. However, constantly dwelling on the negative aspects of myositis can be harmful to their emotional well-being while preventing them from improving their ability to cope with their symptoms. Maintaining a positive outlook when experiencing all these challenges can be difficult; however, opportunities that bring laughter, joy, acceptance, and hope are valuable assets to the treatment plan prescribed by your physician.

The group talked about how having realistic expectations of their illness was helpful in coping with the flares, feelings of depression, or bouts of fatigue that often accompany a diagnosis of myositis. One group member said that by "expecting bumps along the way," she can focus on the bumps as temporary setbacks that will eventually cease rather than getting upset each time she experiences a flare. She acknowledged that it is never easy to go through a flare - she really dreads them - but the knowledge and confidence that she will get through it can be helpful.

The group also mentioned that paying attention to the way you feel and recording your symptoms can help you predict when a flare may emerge. By spotting the symptoms that indicate when a flare is coming, you may want to avoid activities that require physical exertion or to limit strenuous activities. It might also be helpful to build in a few days of rest to your schedule after completing an exhausting activity. By anticipating a period of rest, you may look forward to the rest rather than feeling frustrated and angry about feeling wiped out.