Instead of Saying

“I can’t do this.”

You Can Try

“This feels really hard today. I am so proud of myself for being gentle with my mind and body even on these really difficult days. I have gotten through 100% of my most difficult days and know that even though this feels impossible, I can absolutely do this. I might need more help or support but there is nothing wrong with that.”

Instead of Saying

“There is no hope for the future”

You Can Try

“This is extremely difficult and I am really struggling to imagine what my future will look like right now. It really hurts and makes me feel so helpless and hopeless. I’ll try in this moment to take it one day at a time and not get ahead of myself. Tomorrow is a new day filled with new opportunities and I am so proud of how far I have come. Staying present in this moment will be healthiest for me. I don’t know what the future holds and thinking about it right now is not going to be helpful for me. I will try to stay in the present moment and focus on today as best as I can.”

Instead of Saying

“I am a burden.”

You Can Try

“When I need more help or have more difficult days it really makes me feel like a burden. This being said, I know that this feeling is coming from a place of pain, grief, shame, and loss. I am worthy of understanding, love, and care and know that this world is a better place with me in it. My illness does not define me even if it often feels overwhelming. I will reach out to my medical team to let them know what I am experiencing and also reach out to a supportive person or resource.”

Instead of Saying

“This flare-up will never end.”

You Can Try

“My flare-ups have always come to an end despite how scary they have been. I am really having trouble grounding myself and I keep getting caught up in how hard this is. This isn’t easy but I know what my body needs right now is extra support, understanding, and compassion. I will reach out to my medical team to let them know what I am experiencing and also reach out to a supportive person or resource. I am going to take advantage of all of the self-care tools I know have helped me in the past, which will hopefully help me through this.”

Instead of Saying

“My life is over.”

You Can Try

“It really feels like my life is over because this wasn’t what I imagined for myself. Despite this, I know that it is a new and unexpected beginning and that I can still find a new sense of purpose in my life. My health does not define who I am as a person, the contributions I can make, and the lives I can change. I am looking forward to all of the opportunities for growth, all of the new people I will meet, and all of the new beautiful friendships I will make.”

Instead of Saying

“The pain will never end.”

You Can Try

“The pain is really bad right now and it feels like it will never end. I already reached out to my medical team and am doing everything they suggested, but I am having trouble coping with this pain. I can tell that I really need to use my self-care and coping strategies that have helped me with my pain before. I will try my best to remain hopeful that it is more manageable for me tomorrow and do what I can today.”

Instead of Saying

“No one cares.”

You Can Try

“I don’t have enough support and it is so hard to be surrounded by people who don’t seem to care or who don’t show an interest in what I am going through. I know that even if those supportive people aren’t in my life right now, that I can meet them. I am going to try to join support groups, online communities, and possibly see a therapist to help me navigate through this very difficult time. I deserve to feel loved, seen, valued, and heard. My needs matter.”

Instead of Saying

“No one understands.”

You Can Try

“I don’t have enough people in my life who understand what I am going through and it makes me feel so alone and isolated. I need to try and explain what I am going through as best as I can, but if they still aren’t understanding, I deserve to find that understanding from others through making new friends, joining online communities, or support groups. I know I am not alone even if it feels like it in this moment.”

Instead of Saying

“I can’t do what I used to be able to do so I don’t have a purpose.”

You Can Try

“My ability to do things I used to be able to do has changed, and maybe what I do each day looks different than it used to, but my life is filled with an immense amount of purpose. I am a beautiful person with so much love to give, and I can still make meaningful impacts in the lives of others in new ways that I never could have previously imagined.”