Chronic Illness and Mental Health: Breaking the Vicious Cycle

When we face a chronic illness, it does not just affect the specific body part in isolation.

Oftentimes, we face a myriad of physical, mental, emotional and social challenges, and our Western healthcare system lacks the resources to guide us through this challenging time.

This is why it is so important for us to educate ourselves and learn how to break the vicious cycle, feeling empowered in our own care.

In this presentation, I outline my personal story and share tools and resources to help you navigate your way to health and wellness.

Thank you for listening, and I would love to hear from you!

Moving Beyond the Patient Identity: My Journey with Chronic & Mental Health Challenges

I had the opportunity recently to speak with medical professionals across Canada about what it is like to live with a chronic illness, specifically Inflammatory Bowel Disease. I began facing serious health crises when I was a young child, and they continued in different forms throughout my teens and twenties. Throughout this time, I have greatly struggled not only with painful symptoms and sometimes even more painful treatments - but also the emotional, mental and spiritual toll of living as a patient.

I am on an ongoing journey to heal these wounds and grow out of my former identity as a passive victim of circumstances. Here is my message for healthcare providers and patients alike, to become allies and empowered in our own care.