Finding the Right Support for Living with Chronic Illness
Stories of Somatic Transformation #2
For many people, chronic illness and chronic pain can be isolating. Symptoms may prevent us from being out in the world in ways enjoyed by able-bodied people. If chronic illness is a relatively new experience, the journey from isolation to new ways of connecting while ill can be very painful and lonely. We are social creatures by nature, called to connect and be in community. The limitations of illness may bring on significant grief, anger, fear, and loneliness.
On my worst migraine days, when I’m most sensitive to sound, light, and touch, I long to be comforted, and often I have been alone. Illness can be a solitary journey and it can be hard to find others to accompany us in this desolate landscape. Fortunately, my dog Clarke has been my daily companion since diagnosis. When I need to stay in bed, he curls himself as the little spoon into my arms and sleeps next to me. He follows me constantly and reminds me of reasons to get out of bed (he needs to go out) or to connect with nature (he needs a walk). Being connected to this little being has given me meaning in life on so many occasions when I didn’t feel a sense of purpose. But sometimes his support is less helpful.
When Clarke gets tired of the time in bed with me, he lets me know this by standing on my chest and barking at my face or digging at the back of my head. On the day when my dog actually stood on my face while chewing on his bone, I thought, “maybe I need a different kind of support.”
Me wondering if perhaps the support my dog Clarke provides might not be enough
2 years into my journey with chronic illness, I found a community support group for people with migraine and a mindfulness for chronic pain group. I felt hungry for connection with other sufferers. I wanted to learn everything I could about this disease: the latest treatments and medications, recommendations of providers, ways of coping day to day. I shared stories of migraine mishaps with people who could understand (My dog won’t stop trying to lick my face and hump me when I have peppermint oil on my face to soothe the pain). Other attendees understood my experiences – attempts to get well and disappointment over another failed treatment, exhaustion from pain, grief over the losses brought on by illness, etc. I found a reason to get out of bed to make it to my two weekly support groups. Just being around people with chronic illness and learning practices related to this experience reduced my pain levels and left me feeling more alive, which showed up as laughter, tingling in my body, and an easier time breathing deeply. I also felt understood and connected to a community, which transformed my experience of illness.
Now I am offering two groups to support participants on their journey.
The first group is a Somatic Transformation Group for People with Chronic Illness (including chronic pain) which will be held weekly on Thursdays, August 5-September 9, 6-7:30pm Pacific Time on Zoom. The group will include the following explorations for participants:
Deepen your capacity to connect authentically and build trust with others
Find support with other people experiencing chronic health conditions/illness
Become familiar with and transform your triggers and automatic reactions into skillful actions/responses
Find purpose, meaning, and hope in your life, even with stress and illness
The second group is a drop-in Beginning Somatic Practices group and will be held Thursdays, June 17, July 15 and 22, 6-7pm Pacific Time via Zoom.
It is my hope that, like for me, these groups will help you and others create a circle of support. Please share widely with anyone you think might benefit. To sign up or get more information, book a free consult with me today.
