Episode 7: Stress - Creating Your Support Network

Hosted by Michelle Andrea Williams and guest host Lynn Eggleton

In this final episode on stress management, Michelle Andrea Williams and guest host Lynn Eggleton delve into the importance of building a robust support network. They emphasize the pivotal role family, friends, and support groups play in navigating the challenges of chronic illness and stress.

Michelle highlights the significance of open communication with loved ones, suggesting sharing resources such as articles and books to enhance understanding. She also recommends reputable health websites like the Mayo Clinic for valuable information.

Lynn emphasizes the value of support groups and online communities, noting their ability to connect individuals facing similar experiences. She suggests platforms like Meetup.com and condition-specific organizations as excellent resources for finding local and online support groups.

Together, Michelle and Lynn stress the importance of nurturing healthy relationships, advocating for setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care. They encourage listeners to explore resources from the American Psychological Association for guidance on fostering healthy connections, particularly when managing chronic illness.

As they conclude the episode, Michelle and Lynn invite listeners to set realistic goals, build in daily habits and maintain a positive mindset for a healthier, more balanced life.

Resources:

Meetup- https://www.meetup.com/

AllTrails App https://www.alltrails.com/mobile

Roanoke Pinball Museum - https://roanokepinball.org/

Music for every episode: Samba Rockin' by Parmi SC Music https://soundcloud.com/parmi-scmusic/samba-rockin?si=50d04e0a8c624a59be2b4fdb35ad001c&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

Episode 6: "Seeking Professional Help for Stress and Chronic Illness"

Hosts: Michelle Andrea Williams, Lynn Eggleton

Introduction: Welcome back to the ChangeFuse podcast! In our last episode, we delved into managing stress through mindfulness and lifestyle changes. Today, we explore the vital topic of seeking professional help for managing chronic illness-induced stress. Joining me as co-host for this episode is my sister, Lynn Eggleton. Welcome, Lynn!

Recognizing the Need for Professional Help: Michelle and Lynn discuss the importance of recognizing when professional help is necessary, particularly when dealing with chronic illness. They emphasize the significance of involving your general practitioner or internal medicine doctor in this process, as they can provide initial assessments and referrals to appropriate professionals such as counselors and psychologists. They also touch upon different levels of professional help available and how to discern which level is most suitable for individual needs.

Types of Professionals Who Can Help: They highlight the various types of professionals who can offer support, including licensed counselors, social workers, psychologists, and psychiatrists. It's crucial to find a professional who understands chronic illness and can provide tailored care. Michelle and Lynn stress the importance of finding the right counselor or therapist and being clear about what you need from them.

Additional Support Resources: Michelle and Lynn suggest reaching out to support groups, both online and offline, as valuable resources for those seeking support. They mention platforms like Facebook groups and other chat rooms where individuals can connect with others facing similar challenges. They also discuss the benefits of telehealth and how to find the right fit for virtual therapy sessions. Additionally, they mention the potential support available through employer benefits and Employee Assistance Programs (EAP), as well as considering support from pastors and spiritual leaders.

Emergency Resources: In case of immediate crisis, Michelle and Lynn provide the National Suicide Hotline number, #988, and emphasize the importance of reaching out for help when needed. Always dial 911 in a life threatening emergency.

Self-Guided Reflection and Online Support: They discuss the value of self-guided reflection and utilizing online support resources for those who may not be ready for professional counseling or prefer alternative methods of support.

Closing Thoughts: Seeking professional help is a significant step in managing stress and chronic illness. It's about finding the right balance of support and the right person to listen to you. In the next episode, Michelle and Lynn will delve into the importance of building a support network, touching on the benefits of support groups and supportive relationships. Remember, reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Additional Resources:

American Psychological Association (APA) - Find a Psychologist Directory URL: https://www.apa.org/psychologist

Psychology Today - Therapist Directory URL: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists

National Institute of Mental Health - Understanding Medications URL: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/mental-health-medications

NAMI URL: https://www.nami.org/

Doctor On Demand URL: https://doctorondemand.com/

Music for every episode: Samba Rockin' by Parmi SC Music https://soundcloud.com/parmi-scmusic/samba-rockin?si=50d04e0a8c624a59be2b4fdb35ad001c&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

Episode 5: Managing Stress When You Have a Chronic Illness In this episode on managing stress with a chronic illness, host Michelle Andrea Williams and her guest co-host Lynn Eggleton discuss various stress management techniques. They emphasize the importance of identifying stressors and either eliminating them or finding ways to manage their symptoms. Lynn suggests journaling as a way to identify stressors and prioritize tasks, while also recommending mindfulness practices such as meditation or prayer. Michelle shares her experience with gratitude journaling and deep breathing exercises as effective stress management tools. They also discuss the benefits of spending time in nature, such as walking in the woods or stargazing, to reduce stress and promote relaxation. Additionally, they touch on the importance of recognizing what factors are within one's control and focusing on those aspects first. The episode concludes with a reminder that stress management is not one-size-fits-all, and seeking professional support when needed can be beneficial in managing stress and chronic illness. Spark Spotlight: The Power of Walking: Reducing Stress One Step at a Time Resources: Headspace - Guided Meditation and Mindfulness URL:https://www.headspace.com/ Calm - Meditation and Sleep App URL: https://www.calm.com/ Centering Prayer app URL: https://www.contemplativeoutreach.org/centering-prayer-mobile-app/ National Sleep Foundation - Sleep Tips and Information URL: https://www.sleepfoundation.org/ Stanford Researchers find mental health prescription: Nature URL: https://news.stanford.edu/2015/06/30/hiking-mental-health-063015/ APA Want to boost your mental health? Take a walk URL : https://www.apa.org/monitor/2022/11/defeating-depression-naturally

Music for every episode: Samba Rockin' by Parmi SC Music https://soundcloud.com/parmi-scmusic/samba-rockin?si=50d04e0a8c624a59be2b4fdb35ad001c&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing