I have begun hosting a monthly support group for those with autoimmune conditions in Durango and surrounding areas. Clients of mine struggle with health issues, pain, or limited mobility, and I myself go through my own challenges with Rheumatoid Arthritis. This support group is a place to meet and discuss wellness, share knowledge, and simply to build a community of understanding and support. The group is free of charge, and meets the last Wednesday of every month at The Living Tree Live Foods Salad Bar , which features a menu of freshly fermented foods for gut health. See the link to the Facebook event here!
Many of us who live with an autoimmune condition know that it can be challenging for others around us to truly understand what we go through. Many of us look healthy while experiencing invisible symptoms that come and go. Depending upon the condition, and just on the day of the week, these symptoms can either be quite debilitating or can fade to a murmur for months at a time. Diet, lifestyle, mindfulness, and emotional wellbeing all play a HUGE role, and many of us have experienced others disbelieving us about the importance of this, or having our pain minimized by others because by looking at us, it just doesn't seem like we should be in pain.
And by gosh, it is true, we shouldn't be living in pain! Personally, even when I am feeling well I am prone to struggle with a lack of trust in my body's resilience, a lack of trust in my body's strength, and let's be honest - a lack of trust that everything in life will not fall out from under me, that no matter what life brings I will be okay. When life brought me the diagnosis of a chronic disease the world did fall out from under me in a very real way. Being open about what this feels like, being vocal about what it took and still takes to piece that ground back together under me, and finding other strong individuals facing similar challenges with light and bravery... consider that my MEDICINE.
Another thing that healthy individuals may not understand is that, when it comes to the subject of illness, our conversations don't always have to center around struggle, sadness, and pain. Sometimes we need to be able to celebrate our victories and joys, with recognition from others around us that we're doing AWESOME. Yesterday, for example, I got amazing results back on my blood work at the Rheumatologist, and reported pain scores of 0 since as far back as I can remember. Sharing this news within a group of people who can all understand how much of a success that is means a great deal. Continuing on a path of health and happiness takes blood, sweat, grit, tears, faith, heart, hussle, and so much more. It takes a lot. Let's build each other up!
If you have a diagnosis of an autoimmune condition, or know someone who does, you are welcome to attend our next meeting.
**This group cannot serve as a substitute for therapy or any kind of mental health treatment. The primary purpose is for members to form community, and to share knowledge & experiences. If you are seeking mental health treatment, Debbie Higgs Yoga and Reiki is happy to provide you with information on how to seek help**