If you’re just starting your journey to healing, I want to tell you that I’m glad you’re here, and I have 9 adrenal fatigue truths and encouragement that I think will help.
I sincerely hope that you find what you’re looking for, but let me share with you a few truths about adrenal fatigue recovery (or healing from any health issue, really) I have learned after dealing with thyroid and adrenal issues, severe hormone imbalance, along with undiagnosed anemia for over 8 years.
Hard Truths
We’ll start with the less sunny side of the subject because I really want to end this post on a positive note!
Some of these truths may seem unsettling, sad, or discouraging, but my goal is not to bring you down.
The reason I’m sharing this info is that, while not everyone deals with these issues, some do.
If that’s you, I want you to know that you’re not alone, many who are dealing with or have dealt with adrenal fatigue (and many other health issues) have felt this way.
So without further ado, let’s get started!
Related:
What Is Adrenal Fatigue? (And How To Fix It!)
Adrenal Fatigue Recovery: 17 Tips To Support And Heal Your Body
People May Not Understand
For some people (even close friends or family) it’s hard to believe you don’t feel well or that you aren’t “sick” in the way that they normally think of sickness.
You may look tired, have no energy, or deal with other symptoms but it’s easy for people to write that off or chalk it up to something else.
It is common for people who deal with adrenal fatigue or thyroid issues to have people suggest that they are “just depressed”.
With good intentions, people often suggest that if you just see a counselor or take an antidepressant, you will feel better.
That may help a few people for a time, but it’s not usually the easy cure-all that friends and family hope it is.
My best advice- try to be as kind and patient as you can, most people want you to just feel better. But if they haven’t been through it they don’t understand.
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You Will Feel Alone At Times
You might find yourself feeling very lonely and misunderstood. It’s hard not to feel this way when you see doctor after doctor and are told that they can’t find anything wrong but you know something isn’t right and you feel terrible.
On top of that, your friends and family only really understand that you’re tired.
My advice: Find a really good healthcare provider that practices functional medicine, have the necessary tests done, and reach out to other people who have gone through the same thing.
You can find groups on Facebook, Meetup might have something in your area, or even your local church or library might be an option.
Healing Is A Process And Takes Time
I’m sorry to tell you, but the healing process isn’t like driving on a straight road from point A to point B.
It’s more like when you only have to drive 10 miles but it takes you 2 hours to get somewhere because the GPS on your phone tells you to drive 2 miles, take 4 lefts, then go for another few miles and take 4 rights.
Anyway, you get the picture.
No matter what your healing process is like, I guarantee it will not be fast enough and you will most assuredly deal with setbacks or challenges.
That’s because just when you think you have one thing under control, something else pops up. This is very common during the healing process but can be discouraging at times.
My advice- Try to remember that healing is a journey! I know it’s really (really!) hard not to feel totally deflated and discouraged sometimes, but I promise if you are working on healing you are making progress.
It might be slow, teeny steps sometimes, but progress is progress!
*A great way to keep track of your progress and be able to see how far you’ve come is to keep a mindfulness and self-care journal.
Your Family Will Get Used To You Being Tired-But You Don’t Want Them To
Your loved ones will get so used to you being tired and missing out on activities that it just seems normal to them. But it breaks your heart.
This one might be the hardest of all.
If you’ve dealt with a health issue for quite a while you have no doubt said things like, “Sorry, I just don’t have the energy”, or “I want to go today but I’m just too tired”. Your family will probably get used to you not going with them to events, fun outings, or even holiday parties.
Want to know how I know this?
Last year I missed my husband’s birthday celebration, our 20th anniversary, and Thanksgiving dinner at our friend’s house, among other things.
And while your family is sad that you missed all of that, they are so used to you not feeling well that it’s not a surprise you couldn’t go.
My advice- when you miss events or are too tired to do anything, use that time to be kind to yourself, get extra rest, and make a list of things you are grateful for.
It can be really easy to feel down when you miss fun activities or events, but remember, putting your health and healing first is the only thing that will help you get back out there.
Silver Linings
While all of that seems more than a little sad and depressing, let’s not leave it there!
Because believe it or not there are good things, silver linings if you will, that you can find if you look for them.
This Is A Time Of Change
After being brought to your lowest, there is only one way you can go- up!
You are being rebuilt mentally, physically, and emotionally.
Throughout your recovery journey, you will learn what your individual needs are for a healthy mind and body.
Not that you will never deal with another health issue again, but you will come out of this with a much deeper knowledge of yourself and your needs and that will help you for the rest of your life!
You Learn How To Set Better Boundaries
When you don’t feel well you learn to set better boundaries and start saying no to things that aren’t necessary. You just don’t have the energy.
This isn’t all bad though because this gives your children and/or partner a chance to learn to be more self-sufficient and take on some of the responsibilities that, honestly, maybe they should have had anyway.
And, if you’re anything like me, you learn that they can do a lot more than you thought they could 😉
You Learn What Is Really Important
This is so true, you learn what is important!
When you have good health and energy it is easy to say yes to every request that comes your way.
When you don’t have good health, you learn to say no and save your time and energy for the really important things.
It’s a great way to step back, take stock of life, decide what is essential, and let go of what is not.
And with that, you get to reset and rebuild your life!
You Learn How To Listen To Your Body
This is not only essential but non-negotiable.
If you don’t learn to listen to your body you will never fully recover. Period.
Doctors, holistic health practitioners, bloggers, or your best friend can give you 10 different healing protocols, but we are all different. What works for one may not be the best treatment for another.
If you don’t listen to your body and pay attention to how you are reacting to treatments, you won’t be able to navigate this healing journey very well and have the health you are working so hard to gain.
Learning to listen to your body is a skill that can sometimes take a lot of practice but once you get the hang of it you will know which kinds of movement and exercise your body tolerates, the foods that nourish and heal, how to best help yourself in times of stress, when to say no, and so much more.
This mind-body connection and knowledge you have learned will help you stay healthy throughout your life!
Bonus!
Here’s one last thing about recovering from a health issue like adrenal fatigue.
It’s a lesson that I hope you take to heart and never forget! 🙂
You Learn How Strong And Resilient You Are!
Living is easier when health is good, but when you feel exhausted, anxious, have dizziness, mood swings, and any of the other 75 symptoms, it can be a struggle.
If you feel like you’re struggling, do me a favor.
Stop and think of 3 reasons why you are working toward better health.
Then make a list of these reasons and keep it somewhere safe so you can pull it out when you need encouragement.
These 3 (or more!) reasons are going to help give you a reminder and a pick-me-up when you need it.
And someday you will look back, remember your list, and see just how much progress you’ve made.
Want to know how I know this?
Because you’re here actively looking for information to help heal yourself, deciding that quitting isn’t an option, and you’re strong as hell, even when you feel weak and exhausted!
If you’re dealing with adrenal fatigue or any other health issue and any of these truths resonate with you, I would love to hear from you!
Feel free to send me a message or share your story, tips, or best resources in the comments.
You never know who might be helped by the knowledge you share 😉