Is what I’m feeling normal?

If I had to name the one question that almost every person asks me when we start working together, it’s this: Is what I’m feeling normal? 

This is because there is a complete lack of understanding about what chronic illness is and what the appropriate and normal human emotional responses to becoming chronically ill are. 

Often, currently healthy people mistakenly believe that their health and capability is a direct reflection of their choices, actions and thoughts, rather than something that simply happens to them.

But the reality is that chronic illness and disability can happen to anyone, at any time through no fault of their own and that no one can be guaranteed health.

Yet when we do screw up our courage and try to talk about how we feel and make ourselves vulnerable in doing so, others either dismiss us, blame us, disbelieve us or wrongly think that it’s simply an issue of mind over matter or being more positive. 

All of that can leave you feeling that it must be a ‘you’ problem. 

That you are just not strong enough or trying hard enough or that everyone else living with your condition is coping so much better than you. 

So, lets talk about all of the normal emotional responses to living with chronic illness, what they are, why you feel that way and hopefully, this will leave you feeling a little better in knowing that you are not the only one. 

If you enjoyed this episode I would so appreciate it if you would leave a positive review on your favorite podcast player.

Let’s help educate and spread the word of the practical realities and emotional issues that becoming chronically ill bring from those who know it best. 

It is only by sharing our stories and experiences that we can help someone else know that they are not alone when it comes to chronic illness.

You can listen to the podcast here on the blog or search and subscribe to The Emotional Autoimmunity Podcast on your favorite podcast player.