Through Connection We Can Heal

As the owner of Sava Wellness, I follow many people and groups on social media that deal with chronic illness and disability. The constant that I find through all of these is the importance of true connections between people. This is not only important for our mental and emotional well-being, but also for our physical well-being.

I think we all know the importance of connection in a general way. We know that when we meet a friend we feel happier. We know that when someone reaches out to us we feel seen. And we know that the health organizations out there tell us that community is important.

But what is community defined as nowadays? Completely online with commenting on people’s posts? A mix of virtual and in-person? Monthly virtual meet ups? Communal parties in the communities we live?

As someone who interacts with people who can be housebound, I am so grateful for the invention of video communication platforms. I can interact with my friends in my own city as well as the friends I have made that live in different countries. This has allowed me to be in relationships with people and feel connected.

On the flip side I am acutely aware of the loneliness of chronic illness and disability. Even with this hyper-connected world it is so easy to fall in the cracks and have no one to talk to or interact with. I think that it can be so easy to believe you have a connection with someone when you like and comment on their posts. And yes this does bring smiles and the person being seen, but this feeling typically doesn’t last as the person still doesn’t have anyone to talk to on a personal level.

This is why I often ask that you reach out to the people in your life who are chronically ill and/or disabled. These conditions very often create situations of intense loneliness and feeling of being alone in what they are going through. Having someone to check in on you in a genuine way has a huge impact on a person’s day. Ask them if they want to have a phone call with you. Or if you can bring them over a meal or come and do a chore for them while you chat. This will make a huge difference for them and honestly will make the situation they are in feel much more tolerable.

To those of you who are chronically ill and/or disabled, asking for help is not a weakness. Asking for help is a strength and a very courageous thing to do. There are people in your life that want to help, they just sometimes don’t know what to say or do so they don’t do anything. Ask for something specific and you might be surprised how quick and easily they respond.

I believe that we can heal through connection. In genuine loving relationships of all kinds we can help each other become the best person we can become. I believe that by showing the differences and values of each other we all grow and learn to be better. And that for some groups it is harder to be seen. This is why I created the Community Interview series so that chronically ill and/or disabled voices can be seen and heard.

I also know that when we become chronically ill and/or disabled, or our health changes, many of our relationships can fall apart. In a time of upheaval this is when we need our relationships the most and they are not always there. I felt this keenly and felt alone and in the need of friends. This is why I created the Chronic Illness/Disability Support meetings so that anyone who needs to talk to someone who understands what they are going through can. I can help guide and offer some skills, but I’m also here to listen to what you are going through and be there for you.

If you have any questions about how connection and community can heal, or if you want to book an appointment with me, send me an email.

As summer begins in some parts of the world we look forward to a time of being outside in nature and soaking up as much sun as we can. This season can easily be a time to put our relationships on pause. While this isn’t a bad thing, it can once again allow the chronically ill/disabled people in our lives to slip through the cracks. Let’s be intentional this summer and make sure to invite them to events or even meet them outside their front door for a chat. Summer should be a time of fun and love for everyone!