CHRONIC ILLNESS

In my practice I work with people who have chronic illness, which is defined as a disease that persists for 6 months or more, requires medical attention, has significant impact on daily life and may not have a cure. I have done this work for a long time and have found that therapy can be an integral part of this chronic illness journey. It helps process the feelings and emotions that develop when diagnosed. It allows space to learn self-care strategies that are critical for people living with a chronic condition and it also enables people to learn mindfulness skills and boundaries that are needed when you are dealing with a new “normal” in your life.

Today, I also wanted to talk a bit about my own journey with chronic illness and how this has and is informing my work with clients. In 2020, right at the beginning of the pandemic I began to have some sensory issues in my toes and feet. I was having some numbness, tingling and this sensation was beginning to move up my ankles and legs. Initially I thought this was due to COVID which we experienced in our house. A doctor’s visit, a long night in the ER and several MRI’s later I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). MS is an immune-mediated disorder. The immune system, which is designed to keep your body healthy, will attack parts of the body that are needed for everyday function. With MS, it attacks the covering (myelin sheath) of the nerve cells. The symptoms of MS are unique to each person, can be unpredictable and there isn’t a cure.

My journey with my own chronic illness has allowed me to become healthier. I know that sounds counterintuitive, but this disease forced me to prioritize my health and well-being. I’ve changed my diet, increased mindfulness and meditation practices, exercise regularly and connect with support often. I’m doing well, but I don’t know what the future brings. Managing my anxiety around the future “what ifs” has been an important part of this experience.

I’m hoping by sharing this experience you also get to see that everyone is on their own path or journey – you may not be able to see their struggles because they are “invisible” to the observer. Finding space to explore emotions, increase healthy coping strategies and gain depth and insight into ways to be present with what is now can be helpful tools in your chronic health journey. I know that I am more forgiving of myself now, more forgiving of others and feel like I bring a knowledge and depth to my work that is different than before my diagnosis.