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What’s your experience with functional medicine?

As defined by the Institute for Functional Medicine, this approach to health is based in systems biology and focuses on identifying and addressing the root cause of disease — from inflammation to vitamin deficiencies. It takes into account one’s genes, environment, and lifestyle (including stress management, nutrition, and movement), but it also blends conventional medicine with more “traditional” or complementary practices and approaches.

In the most simplistic terms, functional medicine treats a patient as a whole person as opposed to dissecting one’s health organ by organ, symptom by symptom.

I’m about to see a functional medicine doctor for the first time after my rheumatologist “dismissed” me from her care after diagnosing me with lupus less than a year ago. (To be clear: I absolutely love her, but her hands are a bit “tied” when it comes to insurance approving the next tier of meds, and I have a dangerous history of medication side effects.)

And like many of you in this community, I’ve had a lot of triggering experiences across the spectrum of holistic practitioners (I once saw someone who wanted me to stop all of my medications cold turkey with absolutely no tapering plan). One of the biggest cons to seeing a functional medicine provider is cost, as it’s entirely out-of-pocket and not covered by my insurance. On the other hand, they’ve been incredibly thorough, validating, kind, and responsive. I still can’t get over the fact that when I call their office, they always answer and help me immediately. (No voicemail? No repeated attempts to communicate via the patient portal?) I’m cautiously hopeful that they’ll help me move in a better direction — I don’t have a ton to lose at this point.

I’d love to hear any tips, advice, or general experiences with functional medicine. What have you tried? What’s worked? What happened?

🤓 P.S. I have found this website to be super helpful when doing my research: www.ifm.org

#Spoonie #Lupus #Migraine #ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #RareDisease #CheckInWithMe #Fibromyalgia #AutoimmuneDisease #Undiagnosed #Caregiving #Cancer

The Institute for Functional Medicine

Information and educational seminars and conferences on functional medicine.
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What’s at the top of your to-do list this week?

We’ll be the first to tell you that your worth is not determined by how much you get done, or even how much you’re motivated to accomplish something. But the reality is, our days include tasks, appointments, and responsibilities — even if you consider yourself a “professional patient.”

So we’re curious what this week has in store for you. Mighty staffer @xokat has three appointments (two for herself, one for her pup) this week and a mountain of paperwork to fill out for a new doctor she’s seeing next week.

What about you?

📣 P.S. Let’s cheer each other on in the comments below!

#MightyMinute #CheckInWithMe #CheerMeOn #MentalHealth #Anxiety #Depression #ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #RareDisease #Disability #Caregiving #Autism #ADHD

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Who could benefit from hearing your story?

We’re going back to our truest roots for this week’s self-care theme — storytelling.

Here on The Mighty, there are so many amazing people who share their experiences daily. We all benefit in different ways, resulting in a community for those who may share a diagnosis, have a similar experience, or can simply gain perspective through others’ vulnerability.

One thing we know for sure is that each of our stories are important and worth sharing (yes, yours too!), especially in those moments when we need support and a listening ear. When we share our stories, we not only build community, but we also let others know they are not alone.

Who could benefit from hearing yours?

#52SmallThings #CheerMeOn #CheckInWithMe #MentalHealth #Advocacy #Anxiety #Depression #ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #RareDisease #Disability #Caregiving #Cancer #Grief #Trauma

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WISHING YOU A HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY! ☘️

Be a lucky charm for the primary immunodeficiency community by donating plasma today! IMMUNE DEFICIENCY FOUNDATION #RareDisease #CommonVariableImmuneDeficiency

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Practice being comfortable being alone

I was speaking to a family member recently about how whenever she has time off she stresses about making plans with her family. Even on weekends, she felt like she was wasting them if she didn't fill it with activities. When I told her she was allowed to do nothing, it was as if a huge weight had been lifted. I told her I love how on weekends I can just do nothing other than be lazy and watch movies. I like to make plans too, of course. But sometimes a "staycation" is exactly what you need. Just because it's the weekend, doesn't mean you need to make wild plans. Is anyone out there going to be like me and spend their time at home in peace? And if so, what do you do to give yourself rest?

Also, I'm so grateful for all of you and would love to get to know you all better outside of The Mighty, so if you're on Instagram, feel free to reach out at:

www.instagram.com/thomas_of_copenhagen

~ Thanks to all. Thanks for all. ~

Speaking of thanks for all, I was hoping we could acknowledge everyone who comments below. I know it seems like a small gesture, but many people here have never opened up to anyone before and being open and honest with strangers can be quite scary. So, if we could show our gratitude by giving their comment a simple reply or heart, I’m sure they would really appreciate your team support. What do you say?

#MentalHealth #MentalHealth #Depression #Anxiety #BipolarDisorder #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder #Addiction #dissociativedisorders #ObsessiveCompulsiveDisorder #ADHD #Fibromyalgia #EhlersDanlosSyndrome #PTSD #Cancer #RareDisease #Disability #Autism #Diabetes #EatingDisorders #ChronicIllness #ChronicPain #RheumatoidArthritis #Suicide #MightyTogether

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Tell us about your “found family.”

Familial relationships can be complex, even more so for those of us who have experienced some level of trauma/abuse, or who have set boundaries with our immediate or extended biological families for a variety of reasons. Thankfully, this doesn’t necessarily mean we can’t create a family of our own.

A “found family” (also called a “chosen family”) is a family we create ourselves with people we meet who help us to feel safe, protected, and loved.

Do you have a “found family?” Tell us about them. What makes your relationships with them great?

#52SmallThings #ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #MentalHealth #Anxiety #Depression #RareDisease #Disability #CheckInWithMe #Trauma #PTSD #Trauma

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Anger from the past

It's so easy for things that are long gone to stop us from loving what is right here. We hold ourselves back, afraid that the past will repeat itself. When someone's actions or words trigger negative emotions within us, it can lead to stress, anxiety, or even depression if left unchecked. However, it's important to understand that we have agency over our own mental health. We can't control how others behave, but we can control how we respond to their behavior. This is where mindfulness becomes invaluable. By taking a step back and acknowledging our feelings, we create space for rational thought and perspective. We can ask ourselves questions like, "Why am I feeling this way?" or "Is this person's behavior really about me, or is it more about them?" There are many ways to deal with these emotions so it's important to practice what works for you. How do you deal with past anger and pain especially when given the opportunity to love and caretake?

Also, I'm so grateful for all of you and would love to get to know you all better outside of The Mighty, so if you're on Instagram, feel free to reach out at:

www.instagram.com/thomas_of_copenhagen

~ Thanks to all. Thanks for all. ~

Speaking of thanks for all, I was hoping we could acknowledge everyone who comments below. I know it seems like a small gesture, but many people here have never opened up to anyone before and being open and honest with strangers can be quite scary. So, if we could show our gratitude by giving their comment a simple reply or heart, I’m sure they would really appreciate your team support. What do you say?

#MentalHealth #MentalHealth #Depression #Anxiety #BipolarDisorder #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder #Addiction #dissociativedisorders #ObsessiveCompulsiveDisorder #ADHD #Fibromyalgia #EhlersDanlosSyndrome #PTSD #Cancer #RareDisease #Disability #Autism #Diabetes #EatingDisorders #ChronicIllness #ChronicPain #RheumatoidArthritis #Suicide #MightyTogether

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