The Underappreciated Art of Slowing Down
Author Chris Anselmo explains why being mindful of your pace can have major benefits for your health and well-being, and offers some tips to help.
Embrace the Ask: How to Seek The Support You Need
In his last post, author Chris Anselmo explored why it’s so hard to ask for help. Now, he shares his tips for how to do it with confidence.
Why Is It So Hard to Ask for Help?
Hello, Adversity author Chris Anselmo delves into the common obstacles that make seeking help challenging, particularly for many people living with rare disease, and the transformative power of overcoming those mental blocks.
Anxiety: The Unwelcome Visitor
How writer Chris Anselmo confronts one of the most challenging yet persistent aspects of living with rare disease.
Healthy for the Holidays
The holiday season is just around the corner, and for many, this time brings joy and connection; however, if you are navigating the diagnosis of a rare disease, the holidays can be stressful and challenging. Here are our five ways to protect your emotional health during the busy holiday season.
The Toll of Rare Disease on Mental Health and What Can Be Done About It
When it comes to mental health, rare disease can put you on shaky ground. You’ve likely faced years of uncertainty just waiting for a diagnosis. Not knowing what is wrong or what to expect in the future is scary and unsettling. Because little is known about many rare diseases, there may be no one to turn to for answers. No wonder stress is the main culprit affecting mental health for people with rare diseases.
The Importance of Social Support in Coping With the Ambiguous Loss of Rare Disease
Next to a focus on self-care, social support may be the most important factor in successful long-term coping with ambiguous loss (AL)—a sense of loss characterized by uncertainty about the loss of a loved one and/or the life we once knew.
Understanding Ambiguous Loss: Navigating Uncertainty in Rare Diseases
Ambiguous Loss is unique in that people facing this kind of loss are denied traditional closure rituals and acknowledgements, like memorials and respite periods, as well as typical social support and bereaved status. They are expected to carry on as usual, and may be stigmatized when they do not.
How to Reduce Anxiety Before Medical Procedures or Treatments
Pre-procedure anxiety is a normal part of the medical process. In fact, up to 80 percent of surgical patients are reported to experience anxiety before operation.