Chronic Illness Coaching
Do You Want To Reclaim The Joy That Chronic Illness Took Away?
Are you struggling with an invisible illness? Do you get tired of having to explain yourself to people who are healthy? Does it feel like no one understands the pain you face on a daily basis?
Living with a chronic illness is exhausting. You may feel like your entire life is made up of appointments, diagnoses, and time spent trying to manage your flare ups. The things that are so easy for healthy people are a challenge for you because of your pain. When other people complain about school, work, or relationship issues, you may tell yourself: If only I could have their problems. Do you wish there was someone who understood what you’re going through?
Other People May Not Understand Your Symptoms Or Take Them Seriously
When you’re living with a chronic illness, one of the hardest parts is having to advocate for yourself. Maybe you’ve gone from doctor to doctor and none of them seem to take your pain seriously. Perhaps you simply can’t get a diagnosis—your condition eludes everyone’s expertise. No one can give you the certainty you long for.
What’s more, you may get tired of explaining yourself to other people. Friends may invite you to do fun things that you can’t do because of your condition. Perhaps you feel like a burden to other people, a liability to their good time. Deep down, you probably long to connect with someone who understands what it’s like to live with chronic pain, but you haven’t found them yet.
As a coach who has a chronic illness myself, I would be honored to be that person. I am confident that I can relate to your struggles and help you experience peace of mind. You may not be able to control your illness, but with the right support and tools, I believe you can still shine and live a rich and meaningful life!
Many People Suffer From Illnesses That Are Invisible And Don’t Get Much Attention
Chronic medical conditions are on the rise—the latest estimates show that autoimmune disorders are rising between three-to-nine-percent each year. Most scientists believe that this rise is largely due to environmental factors. With so much more fast food available and so many more pollutants in the atmosphere, the spike in chronic illnesses is only inevitable.
While some chronic illnesses get lots of media attention, many of them don’t exactly make headlines. Long-haul COVID, Lyme Disease, ITP, Crohn’s Disease, and various blood disorders are among the health conditions that often fly under the radar. All of them can be debilitating and affect a person’s ability to enjoy life and function optimally.
Chronic Illnesses Are Especially Difficult For Young People
In many ways, young people with chronic conditions have it especially tough. Most of their peers are usually healthy and don’t have to deal with uncertainties about their health in day-to-day life. They also don’t have to worry about how to share their diagnosis with friends and romantic partners. This can make coping with a chronic illness alienating and lonely. While their friends are exercising freely, staying up late, and doing other fun things, people with chronic illnesses have to live with the limitations of their condition.
No one should have to deal with the effects of chronic illness alone. Trying to advocate for yourself is exhausting and you deserve to have someone in your corner who can empathize with you and get you connected to the resources you need. In chronic illness coaching, my goal is to be that person.
Chronic Illness Coaching Can Help You Live A Full, Meaningful Life
Let’s be honest: there are probably numerous people in your life who simply don’t understand what you’re dealing with. Even the ones who are well-intentioned may give you bad advice or invalidate you without realizing it. As someone who was diagnosed with a rare chronic condition at 21, I understand this frustration all too well. I believe that everyone with a chronic illness should have someone in their life who knows what it’s like to be in their shoes. That’s why I went into coaching.
What’s more, I have a professional background in the medical field. I have worked in a hospital setting for five years, so I am familiar with the medical system both personally and professionally. This allows me to understand medical jargon, access helpful resources, and empathize with your challenges on a deeper level.
Tailoring Your Coaching Plan
Above all, coaching provides a safe place to vent your frustrations, share your joys, and be your beautiful self without any reservations. It’s a chance to have a cheerleader in your corner—I want you to feel that I am your most trustworthy advocate and number-one supporter. I am here to listen to your unique story, validate your feelings, and provide comfort in this difficult time.
At first, I usually like to get a sense of day-to-day life with your chronic illness—your symptoms, your medical history, and the doctors you see. I want to help you prepare for medical appointments and get connected to whatever resources you need. In some cases, it may be helpful for me to consult with your medical specialists.
As we continue working together, we will focus on improving your self-esteem, reducing your stress, and helping empower you to advocate for yourself. A huge portion of coaching focuses on relationships, too. I want you to gain communication skills for responding to people who don’t understand your situation. My hope is to help you feel centered, at ease, and inspired to live your best life. Along the way, I want to be your best advocate.
You May Have Some Questions About Chronic Illness Coaching…
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Because I have a chronic illness and worked in a hospital setting for many years, I have lots of experience advocating for myself and for others. I know what it’s like to wrestle with an invisible illness and I also know the ins and outs of the medical world. As a result, I believe I have the empathy to relate to your struggles and the knowledge to help you find the medical care you need.
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Coaching is usually a short-term investment. It’s a chance to invest in your wellbeing and experience relief in your mind, body, and every aspect of your life. The skills you learn during coaching can last a lifetime.
You Are More Than Your Chronic Illness
You may be living with a chronic illness, but that is only a part of your story and you have much more to offer. If you want to live a joyful and fulfilling life and need the tools to help you get there, you can use the contact form page to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation!
Chronic Illness Coaching Blog Posts
¹ https://www.theguardian.com/science/2022/jan/08/global-spread-of-autoimmune-disease-blamed-on-western-diet