HealingWell > Conditions > Library > Article

The Coping with Chronic Illness Self-Care Quiz

by Pauline A. Salvucci, MA, Self Care Connection

Is how you think about your self-care consistent with how well you practice it? Take this quiz and find out.

Check only one response for each question.

1. Do you have a collaborative relationship with your doctor and other health care provider/s?

Almost always
Almost never
Sometimes

2. Do you follow your doctor's treatment plan?

Almost always
Almost never
Sometimes

3. Do you more accept than deny your illness?

Almost always
Almost never
Sometimes

4. Are you satisfied with how you're coping with it?

Almost always
Almost never
Sometimes

5. Do you accept limitations resulting from your illness?

Almost always
Almost never
Sometimes

6. Have you made any changes to improve the quality of your self-care since you became ill?

Almost always
Almost never
Sometimes

7. Do you let your family members and others know exactly what you need from them?

Almost always
Almost never
Sometimes

8. If you have a support group available to you, do you attend meetings? (If you don't have a group, answer the question as if you did.)

Almost always
Almost never
Sometimes

9. Are your relationships with friends and/or coworkers satisfying?

Almost always
Almost never
Sometimes

10. Do you clear your plate of situations that drain your energy?

Almost always
Almost never
Sometimes

11. Do you refrain from negative talk about others?

Almost always
Almost never
Sometimes

12. Do you practice meditation, prayer or other spiritual exercise?

Almost always
Almost never
Sometimes

13. Do you regularly do something that truly rejuvenates you?

Almost always
Almost never
Sometimes

14. Do you have a sense of humor that lets you laugh every day?

Almost always
Almost never
Sometimes

15. Do you take time to spend with friends?

Almost always
Almost never
Sometimes

16. Do you enjoy your own company?

Almost always
Almost never
Sometimes

17. Do you speak truthfully even when your words will not be well received by your partner, or family?

Almost always
Almost never
Sometimes

18. Do you allow yourself to express your anger and frustration appropriately?

Almost always
Almost never
Sometimes

19. Do you have someone to talk with when you feel overwhelmed and sad?

Almost always
Almost never
Sometimes

20. Do you forgive those who hurt you?

Almost always
Almost never
Sometimes

Bonus Question:

21. Do you speak openly and honestly about finances with your spouse, partner and family?

Almost always
Almost never
Sometimes

Score your responses:

Almost always 5 points
Sometimes 3 points
Almost never 1 point

Your points:_________ Bonus points:________ Total Points: ________

Rate Your Self-Care:

96 - 100 Fantastic. You're a great role model.

90 - 95 Congratulations. You are taking very good care of yourself.

80 - 89 Excellent. You definitely value self-care. Keep up the good work.

70 - 79 Great. You're absolutely on the right track. Onward and upward.

60 - 69 Very Good! You're making progress. Now keep on going.

50 - 59 Good. What specific area/s of self-care will you work on to improve?

40 - 49 Ok, but do you think youšre paying enough attention to your care?

30 - 39 Hmmmm..........what's going on with you?

0 - 29 Yikes! Please see your physician or a mental health professional to do more extreme self-care..

How Did You Do?

Are there any specific questions that prompt you to improve your self-care? What are they? Begin with one question and answer it by creating the steps that will help you to follow through and meet that goal. Then move on to your next goal. Don't rush. This isn't a race, so take your time. As you take the specific steps to help you accomplish your self-care goals, you'll feel better and improve your quality of life.

Š 2001 Pauline Salvucci

Pauline Salvucci, M.A. is a Personal & Professional Coach, speaker, founder and President of Self Care Connection, LLC, an Internet coaching, company offering services for men and women at mid-life -- particularly family caregivers 'sandwiched' between their families and their aging parents and those living with chronic illness. She is the author of numerous articles on self-care and personal development, including the popular Self-Care Now! booklet series. Pauline is a former licensed medical family therapist and spent 10 of her more than 20 years in a medical family practice counseling caregivers and those coping with chronic illness.

Copyright Notice: It is illegal to reprint articles, in any format (including emails, websites, etc.), without explicit written permission from the author of this article.

Sponsor

Bookstore

Sponsor

We subscribe to the HONcode principles of the Health On the Net Foundation

Visit WellnessBooks.com »

Link to HealingWell.com