March is Endometriosis Awareness Month, and as a chronic illness specialist and patient advocate, I believe it is important to talk about conditions that affect many, especially conditions that are rather common, yet not often discussed. I have been humbled by my experience meeting the brave and resilient women who are living with endometriosis. Endometriosis is a very painful condition-...[ read more ]
While every person with a chronic illness is different, and even two people who have the same condition can experience it very differently, many people do experience various changes in their lives. These changes can be frustrating, anxiety provoking, and confusing. Naturally, with such change, as well as unknowns, individuals with chronic illness can start to experience symptoms of anxiety....[ read more ]
A friend of mine injured his back a few weeks ago. He is unsure how, but it is likely an injury from the gym- one that has remained for weeks, resulting in constant pain. My phone lit up with a text from him- "So, chronic pain makes you crazy." Knowing I am a chronic pain/chronic illness specialist, he wasn't surprised...[ read more ]
Sometimes, it can all get to be too much. In today's fast paced, technology driven, sometimes disconnected world, it makes sense that we can feel overwhelmed. If you pair together a life stress (or two or three), with the demands of our jobs, taking care of family members, trying to care for ourselves, and the news and social media infiltrating...[ read more ]
It is a common misconception that anxiety is an obvious thing that anyone could see or tell they are feeling. Many times, someone may not realize they, their family member, or their child is experiencing anxiety when it is showing up as a physical symptom or an emotion that isn't outward, obvious panic. The good news is, no matter how anxiety...[ read more ]
"Depression is being colorblind and constantly told how colorful the world is." - Atticus Through my years being a therapist, I've had the honor of holding space with individuals who are experiencing depression. I've been a first- hand witness of the secret life of depression: how it looks different on everyone, the telltale signs it will show, the lies it tells,...[ read more ]
When you are diagnosed with an illness, it can be a scary, overwhelming, confusing time. You may find yourself feeling lost and lonely while you try to navigate a new world, with new habits, changes to your daily schedule, and things to consider, on top of symptoms that may be uncomfortable or debilitating. Here are 4 suggestions to consider while...[ read more ]
Today's blog post is a more personal one. I have had the honor and pleasure of working with some incredibly brave client's during my time as a therapist, and though everyone has their own story, background, symptoms, goals, dreams, and setbacks, they have a few things in common, one being something I see people I know personally and professionally struggle with...[ read more ]
Hopeless. The word itself can evoke emotion in anyone. Throughout life, we may find ourselves in a situation where we feel hopeless: an extreme life change such as a divorce, loss of a job, death of a loved one, a medical diagnosis for ourselves or a family member, or being in a place in our lives where we thought everything would be...[ read more ]
Rewards and Consequences- Why don't they work for my child? Throughout my years of working with children, one of the most common questions parents ask me is, "Why don't rewards and consequences work for my child?" This is a fair question. Many of the parenting books you can read, television shows you tune in to, teachers you talk to, family...[ read more ]
