Silent Strength with Invisible Warriors

Managing Chronic Pain: Tools and Techniques for Everyday Life

Managing Chronic Pain: Tools and Techniques for Everyday Life
In this episode we dive deep on practical strategies for managing chronic pain so you can function and find some relief during flare ups. Our guest expert shares what’s worked for her after years living with widespread nerve pain from fibromyalgia.
Key Tips Covered:
- Creating an adaptable self-care routine to promote rest, mindfulness, gentle movement and stress relief - Using pacing to balance activity and avoid crash and burn - Ergonomic aids and devices to make daily tasks more manageable - Open communication with loved ones on capacity, triggers, and saboteurs  - Developing a support squad for bad pain days or lifesaving perspective  - Owning your limitations unapologetically while focusing energy toward what’s achievable  - Letting go of perfectionism, guilt, and societal pressures that exacerbate symptoms- Nourishing emotional health through community support groups tailored to chronic pain- Researching emerging integrated treatment plans and cutting edge clinical trials
Join us for an honest conversation on the creativity and resilience it takes to not just survive but actively cope with the daily unpredictability of chronic neuropathic and inflammatory pain. You’ll leave empowered with science-backed strategies for expanding good days and gaining back quality of life!

Serenity Speaks with Lori Saitz: A Journey of Gratitude and Meditation

Lori Seitz founded a business called Zen Rabbit, which initially involved making and marketing a product called 'The Gratitude Cookie'.  Being grateful can improve one's outlook on life and highlight different ways to cultivate gratitude in their daily routines. Practicing gratitude should come naturally and not be turned into another chore on the to-do list.Lori challenges us to read Chapter Seven of the book "The Science of Getting Rich" for 30 days, once in the morning and once at night. The chapter focuses on gratitude and is around four pages long.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorisaitz/
ZenRabbit.com
lori@zenrabbit.com

Living_with_an_Invisible_Disability_My_Journey_with_Brain_Injury_according_to_Marcia_Moran9nynp.mp3

I had a stroke nine years ago, which divided their life into pre and post-stroke. They used to work in marketing but can no longer do so due to the stroke. They now prioritize their family, friends, and community, considering everything else as a bonus. They find it strange how their perspective on life changed.Aphasia is a condition where a person is unable to communicate effectively through speaking, writing, reading, or understanding. This can be a scary and frustrating experience. Marcia's book, "Stroke Forward, How to Become Your Own Healthcare Advocate One Step at a Time," can be found on Amazon. She emphasizes the importance of looking ahead and not dwelling on the past.  Listeners can visit her website http://strokeforward.com, where they can book appointments or email their questions. 

Man’s Best Friend with Glen Williams

Glenn Williams shares that he has two invisible disabilities, one of them being type 1 diabetes which he has dealt with since he was 15 years old.The speakers discuss their experiences with restaurants improperly handling the presence of service dogs, giving specific examples of illegal acts committed by restaurants. Mr. Williams recalls an unpleasant experience where he was yelled at by someone for having a service dog with him in a store, demonstrating the challenges faced by those with invisible disabilities.Contact: glen@gdubauthor.com

What It’s Like Living with an Invisible Disability: A Candid Conversation

Living with an invisible disability is a highly individualized experience, shaped by the nature and severity of the specific condition. These disabilities encompass a wide range of health issues, from chronic pain and mental health disorders to autoimmune diseases and neurological conditions. What sets them apart is their hidden nature, making it challenging for others to grasp the daily struggles and limitations faced by those affected. Often, individuals with invisible disabilities cope with fluctuating symptoms, which can disrupt their routines and require flexible accommodations. They frequently encounter skepticism, misunderstanding, and even stigma from society, adding emotional strain to their already complex journey. Self-advocacy becomes a crucial skill, as they navigate the need for accommodations, educate others about their condition, and strive to strike a balance between managing their health and pursuing their goals.
Invisible disabilities can take a toll on a person's mental and emotional well-being, contributing to feelings of isolation and frustration. Despite these challenges, many individuals with invisible disabilities demonstrate remarkable resilience and determination, finding ways to adapt, seek treatment, and build supportive networks. The support and understanding of friends, family, employers, and healthcare providers play a vital role in helping them live fulfilling lives. Ultimately, recognizing and acknowledging the unique struggles and triumphs of those with invisible disabilities is essential to fostering empathy, inclusion, and a more supportive society.If you'd like more information or to get involved in helping advocate for these women, head on over to https://invisiblewarriors.org.

Susan Salenger and How Women Sabotage Their Health

It can take 5-7 years to get a correct diagnosis for a chronic illness. Many people with chronic illnesses are misdiagnosed with psychological conditions and are prescribed antidepressant medications.
A large scale awareness is required about chronic illnesses and their handling. Many are grappling with understanding their illness and are not sure how to handle their diagnosis and treatment plans. Further Advocacy is needed for doctors to better understand and diagnose such issues.
 
Susan Salenger: Sidelined: HOw Women Manage and Mismanage Their Health,   amzn.to/3P7jW2r
https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-salenger/
 

The frustrations of chronic illness

Shownotes: 
Discussion on how health professionals' lack of awareness towards invisible disabilities impacts patients' mental health.
Benjamin speaks on the need for training in emotional well-being for doctors and explores the idea that overtraining in clinical aspects causes neglect of the human elements of healthcare.
The speaker describes how individuals can start taking control of their inner experience by understanding and managing their thoughts, allowing themselves to experience emotions without being consumed by them, and attuning themselves to their body's responding sensations.
BSherer@TheRIghtSon.com
https://benjysherercoaching.com/

The Invisible Warrior Club

One of every two adult Americans lives with at least one chronic illness (often called invisible illnesses). The disability community is the largest minority in the world. Yet, instead of feeling inclusive and wrapped in camaraderie, too many of us feel alone, less valued, and less worthy. 
What We Want to Achieve: 
a better-informed medical community that understands and respects us a travel industry that is educated on how best to serve the needs of this group of people a support network of family, friends, and colleagues 
affordable access to medications, procedures, and equipment regardless of insurance status 
What We Do: 
advocate for better treatment from the medical and travel industries 
provide a private online community for our Warriors to come together to support each other 
train the travel and hospitality industry on best practices for accessibility research and inform government agencies on better practices 
How You Can Help: 
help spread the word about Invisible Warriors and the support IW offers get informed on how to support those around you with chronic illnesses and disabilities provide financial support 
What Donations are Used For: 
supporting women who are struggling with chronic illness or autoimmune conditions, especially those running/creating their own businesses 
provide information and improved access to specialists in many fields (financial, medical, travel, moral) 
help bring them out of the shadows of illness and into the light 
maintain the virtual platforms to reach the largest number of women (over 15,000 were reached by these programs in 2022) 
developing publication of support manuals 
additional research, training, and public awareness. 
No donations will be used for political or personal gain.