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Chronic Illness

Invisible Illness & The Microagrressions We Are Not Talking About!

Invisible Illness & The Microagrressions We Are Not Talking About!

Most of the time when people hear that one of my areas of specialization is invisible illness, they express never having heard of that term before. People know about chronic illness or mental illness, but invisible illness is not something that is frequently talked about.

Finding Self-Compassion When Living with Chronic Illness

Finding Self-Compassion When Living with Chronic Illness

Have you ever noticed how much easier it is to show compassion towards others than it is to give that to yourself? Do you find that you are quick to be frustrated with yourself when experiencing physical symptoms of an illness, rather than be compassionate towards yourself? Are you asking yourself right now, "what does self-compassion towards oneself when living with chronic illness even look like?"

Three Common Feelings & Frustrations When Living with Chronic Illness

Three Common Feelings & Frustrations When Living with Chronic Illness

Do you live with a chronic illness and find yourself wondering if others who live with illness experience similar feelings to you? Do you find yourself wondering if you are overreacting or whether your feelings are valid? Do others who do not live with illness oftentimes not quite understand why you may be having the feelings that you are having?

Your Loved One Just Received A Medical Diagnosis: Helpful Ways to React

Your Loved One Just Received  A Medical Diagnosis:  Helpful Ways to React

You just found out that someone you care about has just received a medical diagnosis and you don't know what to say. You are not alone. This is a common feeling and it is ok to not always know what to do or say. What is important is to try to not react in speech or action without thinking sensitively first.

I Am Not Lazy! I Have an Invisible Illness!

I Am Not Lazy! I Have an Invisible Illness!

You are a lazy coworker! You are such a flake! Why do you always cancel on me? You are inconsiderate of my time. Why can't you produce as much as your colleagues? Why do you always run late for morning meetings? Are you listening to me?

Passing...and Meaning Making

Passing...and Meaning Making

"Passing" may be a more relevant construct for people living with invisible illnesses; however, it can be an issue to grapple with for all people who live with chronic illness, as illness can be more visible during some times and less during others. If a person who is living with illness is "passing," that would mean that to others, that person appears as seemingly "healthy."

Care Give or Care Take?

Care Give or Care Take?

What happens when a person who lives with a chronic illness finds him/herself in a situation in which s/he has to care for someone else? This can be quite a balancing act and can follow with many feelings, such as confusion, guilt, ambivalence, exhaustion, anxiety, and even depression. How does a person find him/her self in such a situation and what can s/he do about it to cope as best as possible in the given circumstance?