A writer discusses the complexities and importance of diagnoses for invisible illnesses, highlighting how they can offer validation and hope, but also lead to confusion and limitation. The writer shares their personal journey of seeking a diagnosis and the realization that it is just a small piece of the larger process of living with a disease. They emphasize the need to acknowledge the individuality of illnesses and the possibility of multiple coexisting conditions. Overall, the writer encourages a deeper understanding and conversation surrounding mental health, chronic illness, and the impact of diagnoses.
Meghan O’Rourke is a journalist, poet, and New York Times Bestselling author. Her work often tackles challenging subjects like grief, illness, and more. Her previous books include the best-selling memoir The Long Goodbye, and the acclaimed poetry collections Sun in Days, Once, and Halflife. Meghan is passionate about advocating for those living with chronic illness and is the recipient of Guggenheim Fellowship and many other awards.
Today, Eric and Meghan discuss her book The Invisible Kingdom: Reimagining Chronic Illness
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Meghan O'Rourke and I Discuss The Challenges of Chronic Illnesses and...
- Her book, The Invisible Kingdom: Reimagining Chronic Illness
- Her experiences of illness and various diagnoses
- The importance of validating a diagnosis of chronic illness
- How diagnosis is just the small part of chronic illness
- The common stigma of "invisible" illnesses
- Her fears of her illnesses being in her head
- The many complex factors that make up autoimmune illnesses
- How different bodies will react to diseases in very different ways
- Her frustrations and problems with conventional medicine
- The different type of care from alternative medicine practitioners
- The challenges of functional or alternative medicine
- The role of emotions and how they interact with physical illness
- Understanding how expectations can shape our biology
- How the world responds to those suffering with chronic pain and illness
- The role of fear and how it accompanies chronic pain and other symptoms
- What healing from chronic illness actually means
Meghan O'Rourke links:
Meghan's website
Twitter
Instagram
Facebook
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If you enjoyed this conversation with Meghan O'Rourke, you might also enjoy these other episodes:
Living with Chronic Illness with Toni Bernhard
Neuroplastic Pain with Yoni Ashar
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