STEP ONE: Face Your Fears

When you’re worried about your disease or disability, how it will affect you, and what will happen to you in the future, it can be tough to see past your condition. When you worry too much, it might be hard to enjoy the good parts of your life. You can begin to take charge of your fears by learning the facts about your condition.

• Question your doctor: "What should I expect?" "What treatment is best for me?" "What are the side effects of my treatment?"
• Check out books from the library.
• Explore the World Wide Web.
• Contact national organizations involved with your condition.
• Talk to adults or other kids who have your disease or disability. Local chapters of national organizations, independent living centers, and disability rights or advocacy organizations may help you meet people in your community. The Go Surfing section has links to some of these organizations.

By learning more about your disease or disability, you increase your ability to manage it. You have a right to understand what's happening inside your own body.

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From Young People and Chronic Illness: True Stories, Help, and Hope by Kelly Huegel.
©1998 Free Spirit Publishing, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.