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