Going back to school is something that a lot of people tend to dread. A typical scene in movies is students dragging to wake up to get ready for their first day of school. Parents often have to rush their kids out the door to not be late for their first day. Ultimately, after a while, these people will adjust to their new routines, and going to school will be nothing but a simple daily motion. Unfortunately for those with chronic illness, nothing is as simple as a "daily motion."
The school year for many people with chronic illnesses, such as myself, is an especially difficult time because it puts so much strain on a body that already has difficulty functioning.
Going back to school means waking up early to go to class, staying up late to do homework, having to focus when you are in extreme pain and dealing with people who aren't considerate to your illness.
I am a freshman in college and, while I am excited to start my college career, a part of me is wary that I might not be able to do this because of my illness.
While I still have this fear in the back of my mind, I need to remember one thing: I did it. I graduated high school, and I'm now in college and, one day, I will graduate from college to pursue medical school. One thing that we tend to forget as chronic illness sufferers is how far we have come already. Celebrate your accomplishments because while most people see getting out of bed as a little task, it is a huge accomplishment! If you finished one assignment be proud of that instead of focusing on all the other assignments that you have to do from days you missed. If you didn't get out of bed today, that's okay. too.
There is always tomorrow to try again.
As the school year begins again, remember that your health is always first.
You cannot control that fact that, for some reason, the universe decided to make you chronically ill. You cannot control that you were extremely fatigued last night prohibiting you from finishing your paper. However, you can control how you manage afterward. Ask for help when you need it. If you know you are going to be sicker in the morning because you are staying up to do an assignment, don't do it. Instead, email the professor explaining that you were very ill and just couldn't do it. I, for one, am still learning how to do this. I will make myself sicker in order to get something off my to-do list. The biggest thing to remember, though, is that you are trying the hardest that YOU can do. Not everyone is going to understand, but those who don't are irrelevant to your life.
By far one of the hardest things about going back to school is having to deal with so many different people. All the smells, noise and movement makes me feel even sicker than normal. I constantly wish that I can just go back to my room so I'm bothered by no one. We appear fine, normal, healthy even, but we definitely do not feel it. It can be uncomfortable to tell someone to wear less perfume or to lower their voice, but if it is for your well-being then you have to do it. If that isn't an option for you, then move elsewhere and try to make yourself as comfortable as you can in whatever space you find yourself in.
Going back to school is an adjustment for everyone. Regardless of how many days of class you missed or times in class that you wished you missed, try to have a good school year. Remaining optimistic is key when dealing with something that can consume you with so much darkness. Make sure you give yourself days to recuperate, even if that means canceling plans with friends. You are so much stronger than you think, and the school year will be over before you know it!
