if you’re navigating chronic illness, you probably know firsthand how deeply your mental health can be affected by your physical health. struggling with both isn’t easy—and you’re definitely not alone.

but in order to support and improve our mental health, we first need to understand why it may be suffering in the first place. what’s happening biologically, psychologically, and even socially that can make chronic illness feel so mentally overwhelming?

in this episode, i’m combining my own experience with chronic illness with my degree in psychology to break down the many factors that can contribute to worsening mental health. from nervous system stress to grief, isolation, and identity shifts, there’s often a lot influencing how you feel that you may not even realize.

awareness is the first step toward healing—and understanding what you’re carrying can help you move through it with more compassion for yourself.

topics (with timestamps):

00:00 life updates & your anonymous question!!

03:59 chronic illness, mental health, & self-validation

08:04 a psychology model for understanding mental health

11:12 how chronic illness affects our biology

15:36 the psychology behind chronic illness

23:31 relationship dynamics & chronic illness

29:19 sociocultural impacts on chronic illness

34:12 final thoughts & a preview of next week’s ep!!

mentioned resources:

⚡️silly lily foundation

⚡️multipath model

⚡️stress + the nervous system

⚡️psychological strain of chronic illness

⚡️health disparities in the u.s.

⚡️chronic illness + financial burden

⚡️ep.2: coping with chronic illness in your 20s

⚡️ep.3: no one warns you how lonely chronic pain is

⚡️ep.4: the invisible mental load behind chronic illness

connect with me:

🪫⁠tiktok⁠

🪫⁠instagram⁠

🪫⁠youtube⁠

🪫email me

🪫⁠anonymous form (share your story!)⁠

🪫⁠guest application (be on the pod!)⁠

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disclaimer: the information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. the host is not a licensed medical professional.

always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, supplements, medications, or health routines.