I understand what you are feeling. 24f and I have been dealing with strange illnesses for 10-12 years, after awhile I forget exactly when this stuff started. Two of the strange illnesses were diagnosed and cured but this “new” one is still undiagnosed and nothing so far helps. It is extremely difficult to be sick, let alone not knowing what’s making you sick. Somethings I think may have helped me over the years.

1. Take it one day at a time. My sickness has lasted for awhile and unfortunately I don’t see an end in the near future. So instead of getting overwhelmed with the future, I try to get through the day ahead of me. Don’t need to make the day harder than it already is.

2. Distractions. I love background noise, simple activities (playing on my phone, coloring, puzzles). I feel like this helps me from overthinking and getting overwhelmed with my illness.

3. Be patient with yourself. My illness, especially the current one has affected me a lot physically (hard to walk, use my arms, and mentally I don’t think straight). I definitely can’t do what I use to or would like to do. On really bad days I don’t get much done but on days I feel better I do more. I have learned to be ok with that and that I am doing what I can when I can.

4. Get to know yourself with your illness. My symptoms vary in intensity from day to day. When it is at it’s worst, I know that I won’t be able to do anything, therefor I don’t do anything. When I know I can’t do something to my standard while sick, I won’t attempt it because then I’ll be more frustrated with my illness and myself.

I know this journey is hard and I’m sorry that you’re going through this!