Taking More Ownership – My Body, My Care, My Responsibility
Lots of people your age want to feel more independent.1 It’s likely that you want to spend time with your friends, explore the world and have fun. Looking after your own health means that you’ll have more freedom to get out and do what you want to do.
Take It Easy
It’s important to think about taking more control of your own treatment in a step-by-step process. Maybe you’ve been helping your parents with your injections for a few years and you’re ready for more responsibilities. However, you don’t have to start doing everything by yourself all at once, you can start small and build up. Have a think about what you’re managing on your own with your treatment at the moment. Is there anything else you could take on?
Here are some activities you can start doing2:
Ask questions in appointments and be involved in decisions with your doctors
Understand your condition and how growth hormone (GH) treatment can help
Look after your own medicine (e.g. getting a repeat prescription from the doctor and knowing how to store the medicine)
Understand the meaning of ‘transition’ and what to expect when you move to adult care
Know where to seek help from
How many of these activities are you already doing? Are there any you could start doing? If you aren’t able to do some of these already, why not set yourself a goal to make a start?
Tips for Sticking to Goals
It can be difficult to stick to goals. Try the tips mentioned below to help keep you motivated when trying to become more independent with your healthcare3:
Support from others can be hugely motivating. Find yourself someone who can encourage and support you. You could share your goals with them and tell them when you achieve those goals.
Count the Costs
Think about what might happen if you don’t achieve your goals. You can ask yourself, ‘If I don’t achieve this goal, what will my life be like in 1 month/1 year/a few years?’. Sometimes, this might just mean that you don’t feel good about yourself or it’s difficult to go and do things you enjoy with your friends.
Celebrate Success
Many people try to motivate themselves by being harsh or criticising themselves. But this can just make you feel bad. Why not focus on celebrating your achievements instead? Note down the small wins you make towards your goal or plan little rewards for yourself along the way.
References
Haverkamp F, Gasteyger C. A review of biopsychosocial strategies to prevent and overcome early-recognized poor adherence in growth hormone therapy of children. J Med Econ. 2011;14(4):448-457.
A ready steady go transition programme. NHS University Hospital Southampton. Accessed March 14, 2023. https://www.readysteadygo.net/rsg.html
Harris R. The happiness trap. The Complete Set of Client Handouts and Worksheets From ACT Books. New Harbinger; 2013. Accessed September 6, 2023. https://thehappinesstrap.com/upimages/Complete_Worksheets_2014.pdf