One of the big, missing pieces in supporting people with chronic illness is that there is so little acknowledgment that becoming chronically ill changes peoples lives and that this creates complex emotional issues that are in fact, completely normal.
The typical experience is that you get your diagnosis (or not) and leave the doctors office with no idea what to do next and how to even start to cope with how much your life and self have changed and no recognition of just how lost, confused, afraid and overwhelmed you are feeling.
The one thing I see consistently with every single client is a mistaken belief that this is a ‘me’ thing and not an ‘everybody’ thing.
That there is something lacking in me whether it’s that I am not strong enough, determined enough or resilient enough to cope with this or that I am too weak, too needy, too confused or just too much to deal with.
All of this is reinforced because most people don’t understand the normal emotional reactions to becoming chronically ill and judge, criticise and blame, which leaves you feeling even worse about yourself.
So if you have ever worried that this is a ‘you’ thing and that everyone else is coping much better with chronic illness than you, this will help you understand why you feel that way and how to change it.
Make sure you listen and share this one and if you want to help me reach more people who need to hear this, 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.
Chronic illness, jealousy and envy.