If you have been dealing with gastritis for a few months now you probably have hit a slope where you are just frustrated with all the things that you can’t eat. Being diagnosed with gastritis can feel like you were hit by a bus. You are now having to force a whole new lifestyle change just so that way you can survive. This can not only be physically challenging but emotionally challenging as well.
Here are 5 tips to help with those dark moments of feeling frustrated with gastritis
1. Remember this new lifestyle takes time to adapt
It can be hard at the beginning because you might feel like a part of you is missing. Sometimes foods are associated with memories, so we eat the foods that comfort us in times of despair, and with gastritis sometimes we can no longer eat those comforting foods.
You are going to feel those cravings for fast food or simply your favorite dessert but you have to stay strong for the sake of not being in pain. That is why remembering this new lifestyle takes time which can make a difference in your recovery.
Overall do not get frustrated with all the foods you can’t eat, instead think about the foods you can eat that might just aid in becoming well again.
2. Find new ways to be excited about food again
This was a hard step for me. After being put on medication I was able to eat different foods again but still had a limit. When you get to a point where the flare-ups are not that bad you might think to yourself “Oh I can just go back to my old foods again!” BE CAREFUL! Don’t do it because it will only prolong your recovery or worse it will make you take 3 steps back on the progress you have already made.
Instead, come up with new sauces to spice up your food so it doesn’t make it as bland and if you are not a cooker I have a recipe blog that suggests 3 gastritis-friendly sauces that can add flavor to your dishes.
Another thing to try to make food interesting again by cutting them into different shapes.
For example, making rice rolled up in balls instead of eating it in scoopers or cutting up chicken in cubes can change how you eat those same meals every day.
Remember chefs are always saying ” We eat first with our eyes”
3. Have a game plan for the future
Finding the courage to stay positive and optimistic can sometimes be very hard especially when the odds feel stacked up against you. Having health goals can increase your chances for recovery and overall improve your mental health. Starting off with simple goals like being able to eat 2 small meals a day or trying to plan a grocery list for each week with the foods you can eat. Then, hopefully, move up to goals like eating smaller meals and snacks throughout the day with exercising for at least an hour each day to help with symptoms. Any little progress is still progress, again it takes time to heal your stomach so don’t beat yourself up for not being able to live the lifestyle you once had.
4. Journal your feelings
Feeling sad is a natural feeling and for some people can be overwhelming to feel that emotion.
I am sure you have heard every therapist say “Journal your feelings” or “Writing down helps”.
Journaling is not for everyone but as someone who never used to be a journaler and tried it, it does work.
Of course, you have family and friends you can vent to about your pain and anger but after a while, they might not want to hear about it anymore. That is when journaling comes into play. Sometimes just writing one sentence every day can help develop the journaling habit. What you are going through is something tough, the doctors or friends might not understand your pain but with this outlet, you can give yourself the validation you deserve.
5. Try a new activity
Lastly, trying a new activity can boost your spirits about dealing with gastritis.
A few months ago I had lost 16 lbs unintentionally and found it hard to go out with friends because I was constantly tired. I was frustrated at the fact I was in constant pain and was dealing with symptoms from losing so much weight. I felt like I was missing out on life because I couldn’t get my body together.
Eventually, I got over wallowing in my sadness and decided this wasn’t going to stop me from living life.
Since I couldn’t go out for long periods of time I arranged game nights with my friends, started to read more, or did some type of creative writing that didn’t require a lot of strenuous energy.
Hopefully, these tips can help you on your own health journey and I wish you the best!