As we get older sometimes it’s hard to come to terms with our overall health. While we were relatively healthy while we were younger we now find ourselves with health issues we never expected to have. This can lead oftentimes to frustration with our bodies or even denial about our new situations. Being told you now have to take medication for the rest of your life makes you feel like you have now reached a point of no return.

Denial can be so detrimental to your overall physical and mental health because you’re denying yourself the best care possible which of course can lead to a major decline in your physical and mental health.

Why do we do this to ourselves?

Is it because we are scared to admit that we are getting older? Or maybe because we are scared that we are dealing with a health issue that could have permanent and even final consequences? Many of us hope if we ignore it, maybe it will go away. Instead, not addressing these problems head-on results in more meds and harsher treatments or even more severe consequences because of our neglect and state of denial.

Part of self-care is ensuring we are going to our routine exams, doing our blood work, and most importantly listening to our doctors. Denying ourselves care is not only irresponsible but it shows a lack of love for ourselves and to those who love us.

What can we do to take care of ourselves better? Set up reminders for annual exams, making appointments as soon as possible, and not leaving things to the last minute or not doing them at all.

What else can we do to ensure we are taking care of ourselves?