How Chronic Illness Can Cause Feelings of Guilt and Shame
Chronic Wellness Nurse
by krghoush
4y ago
As an autoimmune patient and nurse coach, I am asked frequently about how to handle the guilt that comes with a chronic illness – guilt about having to change plans last minute, guilt about being unable to keep up with our kids, guilt about depending on others and feeling like a burden, guilt about having food restrictions, guilt about calling in sick to work, and the list goes on and on. Emotions that accompany a chronic illness diagnosis are troubling, especially those that we label as “negative,” but they serve a purpose. T ..read more
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6 Principles to Avoid the Trap of Codependency in Chronic Illness
Chronic Wellness Nurse
by krghoush
4y ago
Codependency is an addiction. While some people turn to food, sex, drugs, gambling, or alcohol for comfort, some of us learned to throw ourselves into a caretaking role to avoid uncomfortable emotions when we don’t know a healthier way to cope. It feels good at first to be consumed with other people’s business because it distracts from our own pain. Over time, however, this type of unbalanced “giving” leads – not to happiness – but to deep feelings of frustration, anger, rage, resentment, anxiety, and depression if not addres ..read more
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5 Steps to Endure Thoughtless Comments about Chronic Illness
Chronic Wellness Nurse
by krghoush
4y ago
Over the years, I’ve heard many thoughtless comments made about chronic illness and those suffering from it. (Before I was diagnosed, I was guilty of making a few of them myself.) For example, as a teenager, I distinctly remember a friend mother’s age who suffered from chronic migraines and who wore a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses every time she left the house. She was expressed to me her pain and rather than knowing how to empathize or ask how her symptoms affected her daily life, I defaulted to nursing student mode and ask ..read more
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How to Cope with a New Chronic Illness Diagnosis
Chronic Wellness Nurse
by krghoush
4y ago
I remember when I was first diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in 2004. My symptoms were classic and a positive occult blood test confirmed that my intestines were inflamed, but the medical system required invasive testing for our insurance cover further treatment. I was wheeled into my colonoscopy wearing pink, fuzzy socks after obsessing for a week in anticipation of my first experience with conscious sedation. Riddled with anxiety, I could barely eat or sleep and had already canceled the procedure twice out of fear. Eventual ..read more
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How Chronic Illness Can Cause Feelings of Guilt and Shame
Chronic Wellness Nurse
by krghoush
4y ago
As an autoimmune patient and nurse coach, I am asked frequently about how to handle the guilt that comes with a chronic illness – guilt about having to change plans last minute, guilt about being unable to keep up with our kids, guilt about depending on others and feeling like a burden, guilt about having food restrictions, guilt about calling in sick to work, and the list goes on and on. Emotions that accompany a chronic illness diagnosis are troubling, especially those that we label as “negative,” but they serve a purpose. T ..read more
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Become Your Own Best Self-Caregiver by Building Your Support System
Chronic Wellness Nurse
by krghoush
5y ago
Here are your expected outcomes for this week: Overcome the limitations of conventional medicine and anxiety related to the healthcare system. Partner with a functional medical doctor to address the root causes of your symptoms. Improve communication about your diagnosis with your friends and family so you feel heard and supported. Surround yourself with those who want what is best for you. What has been your experience when telling people about your health problems? Do you view your physicians as powerful allies and true medi ..read more
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Chronic Illness and the Trap of Codependency
Chronic Wellness Nurse
by krghoush
5y ago
Codependency is an addiction. While some people turn to food, sex, drugs, gambling, or alcohol, some of us learn to throw ourselves into a caretaking role to avoid uncomfortable emotions when we don’t know a healthier way to cope. It feels good at first to be consumed with other people’s business because it distracts from our own pain. Over time, however, this type of unbalanced “giving” leads – not to happiness – but to deep feelings of frustration, anger, rage, resentment, anxiety, and depression if not addressed. This is b ..read more
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Become Your Own Best Self-Caregiver by Increasing Movement
Chronic Wellness Nurse
by krghoush
5y ago
Tool #6: Increase Movement Whenever we get to the exercise week, I hear a few moans and groans. Why, though, is it so important? When you engage in physical activity, your breathing becomes more rapid, which expels gases from your body that could otherwise be harmful. Your circulation increases, reducing the plaque build-up in your arteries and stimulating your liver. Cell function improves and cortisol, insulin, blood glucose, growth hormone, thyroid, and other hormone levels normalize. Exercise has even been shown to decrease ..read more
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Become Your Own Best Self-Caregiver by Setting Boundaries
Chronic Wellness Nurse
by krghoush
5y ago
Here are your expected outcomes for this week: Identify your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual limits. Give your self permission for self-care to serve others better. Learn how and when to say, “No.” Tool #5: Set Boundaries “Boundaries” is a buzzword in the field of psychology and an essential component of healthy relationships. Unfortunately, however, setting and maintaining boundaries is a life skill that you may not have learned at a young age. Instead, it was only after years of pain and some trial and error that ..read more
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Become Your Own Best Self-Caregiver by Reducing Toxicity
Chronic Wellness Nurse
by krghoush
5y ago
Tool #4: Reduce Toxicity [Placeholder text.] Take the Next Step Are you still struggling to put some of these tools into practice? Do you feel like you have enough knowledge and good intentions, but there continue to be obstacles that prevent you from creating a healthy routine? [CLICK HERE] to schedule a FREE 30-Minute Discovery Session and together we can explore the next step to becoming your own best self-caregiver ..read more
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