Chronic Thoughts
How to Stay Social While Managing IBS Symptoms
If you have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), you know how challenging it can be to socialize without worrying about triggering symptoms. Yet, socializing is a crucial aspect of our lives, and it’s best if people with IBS learn how to manage their symptoms and stay social. From identifying trigger foods to choosing the right venues and seeking support, here are some tips for staying social with IBS.
What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder that affects the large intestine or colon and is characterized by a group of symptoms that can range from mild to severe. While there is no cure for IBS, there are several treatment options that can help manage symptoms, including medication, dietary changes, stress management, probiotics, and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Making lifestyle changes like exercise, getting enough sleep, and staying hydrated can also be helpful.
Dealing with Diagnosis Delays? Here’s What You Can Do When Your Symptoms are Dismissed
Living with a chronic illness can be a daily struggle, and it can be even more challenging when healthcare providers don't take your symptoms seriously. As a chronic illness warrior, you deserve the best care, so it's crucial to self-advocate for yourself whenever you can. With this in mind, we’re exploring the practical steps you can take to communicate assertively with healthcare providers, find emotional support, and manage the impact of your condition on your mental health.
The Emotional Impact of a Chronic Illness Diagnosis: How to Navigate Your Feelings
After receiving a chronic illness diagnosis, it is natural to feel overwhelmed, scared, and sad. However, it is essential to acknowledge and express your emotions, educate yourself, connect with others, practice self-care, and build a strong support network to manage the emotional impact of your diagnosis. By doing so, you can take control of your situation and find ways to cope with your illness while maintaining your overall well-being.
Why Autoimmune Diseases are More Prevalent in Women
Autoimmune diseases affect millions worldwide, with women diagnosed more than men. While the exact reasons for this gender disparity are not fully understood, research has identified several factors contributing to the higher incidence of autoimmune diseases in women. Here’s a look at three potential reasons why autoimmune diseases are more prevalent in women.
Examining Healthcare Stigmas Against Women: Why Aren’t We Being Believed?
Women often face discrimination and bias when seeking medical care, leading to negative health outcomes and a lack of trust in the healthcare system. This stigma is particularly prevalent regarding conditions like endometriosis and mental health issues, where women are often dismissed as “just having period pain.” Addressing healthcare stigmas requires education, training, research, advocacy, and more.
How to Support Someone Living with Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a chronic and painful condition that affects millions of women worldwide. If you know someone diagnosed with endometriosis, it's essential to understand how to support them. You can make a significant difference in their life by educating yourself about the condition, offering practical help, providing emotional support, and advocating for them. In this blog post, we'll explore some useful tips on supporting someone with endometriosis so that you can be there for your loved one during this challenging time.
Here are 6 Common Misconceptions About Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition that affects millions globally, but there are many misconceptions about this chronic condition. Unfortunately, these myths can cause delays in diagnosis, inadequate treatment, and unnecessary challenges with managing endometriosis. Whether you have endometriosis or know someone who does, it is crucial to separate the truths and dispel the myth to encourage proper treatment and management of this chronic illness. Here are six common myths we’ve debunked about endometriosis.
Resource Guide for People Living with Multiple Sclerosis
Besides medical treatment, many resources are available to help individuals with MS, and their loved ones manage the emotional and practical aspects of living with the condition. Support groups, counseling, and educational resources can provide valuable assistance and help individuals maintain a positive outlook and quality of life. Whether you are a newly diagnosed patient or a caregiver, our guide is a valuable tool for navigating the complex landscape of MS and finding the help and support you need.
Why Women Self-Report Worse Health Outcomes
If you've ever been to the doctor’s office, you’ve likely had to complete a questionnaire about the current status of your health. Unfortunately, women in the United States tend to self-report their health status as “poor” when completing their questionnaires. Here are seven reasons women’s health in the United States leads to worsened health outcomes.
How to Prepare for a Pain Management Appointment
Do you live with chronic pain? Many people living with chronic illnesses can experience chronic pain that lasts for extended periods. Sometimes, your healthcare team may refer you to a pain management specialist to treat your chronic pain. If you’ve never visited a pain specialist, here are some tips to help you prepare.
8 Ways to Boost Your Immune System with a Chronic Illness
People living with chronic illnesses can be more susceptible to infections. So, invisible illness warriors must find healthy ways to boost their immune systems to protect them from harmful bacteria and viruses that can weaken their health. With this in mind, here are eight immune system boosters for chronic illness.