Chronic Illness and Autoimmune Disorders

What Is Chronic Illness and Autoimmune Disorders?

At the time of writing this, one in five individuals living in the United States has an autoimmune disease, and it is reasonable to assume that the data in Canada would be similar. Over 75% of those impacted are women.

Autoimmune disorders involve miscommunication in the body, causing your immune system to attack your own healthy cells. Most autoimmune disorders are chronic. Chronic illnesses are defined as those that cannot be cured completely or prevented by vaccines. They instead are managed to reduce the impact of symptoms.

Causes of Chronic Illness and Autoimmune Disorders

At this time, many diseases still do not have a clear origin. We know there can be genetic and lifestyle factors that may impact the likelihood that you suffer from symptoms, but many of these diseases do not have a clear cause, which is part of why they are so hard to prevent and treat.

Types of Chronic Illness and Autoimmune Disorders

There are many different Illnesses impacting folks today. Here are a few of the most common:

  • Endometriosis

  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

  • Celiac Disease

  • Hashimoto’s Disease

  • Multiple Sclerosis

  • Rheumatoid Arthritis

  • Ehler Danlos Syndrome

  • Postural Orthostatic Tachycardic Syndrome (POTS)

What Are the Symptoms of These Disorders?

Each disorder has its own unique set of symptoms but there are some commonly experienced symptoms including pain, inflammation, bloating, and fatigue and low energy. These can make the responsibilities of daily life responsibilities, and over time, can also impact mood causing symptoms of depression and anxiety. Some of these disorders can only be diagnosed through process of elimination and it can take a lengthy time to get support in managing symptoms. Individuals often experience hopelessness and frustration at navigating the medical system.

When Should I Get Help?

If you feel like you need a safe place to vent, if you want to feel heard and understood, or are feeling frustration at not being taken seriously, please reach out. It can be extremely validating to be believed and feel like you have someone on your side.

If you need support to have courage to be a better advocate for your health, or are feeling the long term impact of fatigue and experiencing depressive symptoms, you do not need to navigate this alone. Several of our clinicians have experience with chronic illness and would be honoured to support you.

Since these are not curable, what can help?

Working with a therapist can affect how your body responds to and perceives pain. Anxiety can cause tension in our body, which we know increases our experience of pain. Through improved mindfulness, emotional processing and feeling supported, anxiety and depression can be reduced, impacting pain levels and quality of life.

Resources

  • Curable App: This app does come with a cost, but provides a lot of scientifically proven strategies to support you with pain management. You are also connected to a community of people who understand your lived experience. Folks have found it to be a validating and helpful tool.

  • The Myth of Normal: Gabor Mate. This book explores the impact of toxic stress on our bodies and explores the idea that much of what may be causing the increase in autoimmune disorders and chronic illness we are experiencing is impacted by the unhealthy patterns we have developed as a society.

Please reach out! We would love to connect with you, hear your story and figure out how we can best support you.

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