A belief is something you think is true, although you often don’t have any proof that it is. It is an idea you have based on your views, thoughts, or been told. The beliefs each of us has determines how we perceive our lives and the actions we take. The taking of prescribed medications is no exception. We have long been told to take medications for some unpleasant symptoms we have whether it be to stop headaches or halt acid indigestion. We comply with the medical instructions because we want relief. These beliefs are present when we are told that instead of taking drugs only when we experience symptoms, we should take drugs for a chronic illness for as long as needed, likely the remainder of our lives. Switching our beliefs that we should take medicine only when sick to taking them to control a condition has often been a source of dismay to both patients and health care providers. We have been confused because were constantly reminded to take medications only when feeling ill; this is something we have heard all our lives. Our health care providers, on the other hand, become upset because patients don't do what they tell them to do to control a chronic ailment. If patients take drugs to relieve the symptoms of a cold, why won't they take drugs every day to control high blood pressure? This would, after all, lead to better overall health for us. Discussion of differences between relief and controller medications would stop this problem, but these discussions do not always occur. Furthermore, patients taught to rely upon what they see as a Catch 22 between what they have always been taught and what they are now being told are often uncertain about what to do. Beliefs are certainly a factor in how closely a patient follows his or her doctor’s instructions.

We have described but one set of beliefs that patients with a chronic illness cope with each day. There are many other kinds of beliefs that are important. Patients with a chronic condition, whether it is arthritis or asthma, are often thought to believe their condition is worst than it is. This type of belief, often thought to be an old wife’s tale, doesn’t help those of us with a chronic illness. A thing about self-management is that you can learn to ignore what others say and focus on what you have to do to manage your condition.

Other beliefs are important in our control of a chronic illness. The belief we have that we can do whatever we have to do to manage our condition, referred to as self-efficacy, is key to how successful we are in our role of caring for ourselves. In fact, the confidence we have that we can take care of ourselves each and every day will, in the long run, be what determines what we will do.