Parenting is hard. Parenting with a chronic health condition? That’s a whole new level of complexity. In this episode, we dive into the messy, beautiful, and often exhausting reality of raising kids while managing an unpredictable body. From the guilt of missing out to the creative ways we adapt, we’re talking about the highs, the lows, and everything in between. We’ll also tackle one of the biggest questions: How do you talk to your kids about your condition? Whether you’re navigating fatigue, pain, or mobility challenges—or just trying to keep up with the chaos—this one’s for you.

⁠⁠Livology (Psychology - Private Practice)⁠⁠

⁠⁠MS: Get Your Head Around It! (Online Course)⁠⁠

If you need any support after listening to our podcast, you can contact Lifeline in Australia at 13 11 14, available 24/7. For support in other locations, please visit ⁠Befrienders Worldwide⁠.

⁠Instagram @butyoulooksogoodpodcast⁠

In this episode of But You Look So Good, hosts Sally and Seona explore the concept of Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG) and its relevance to individuals living with chronic health conditions. They discuss whether significant adversity, such as chronic illness, can genuinely lead to positive transformation, or if this idea imposes unrealistic expectations on those already facing ongoing struggles. The episode examines the scientific basis of PTG, critiques of the concept, and ways to approach personal growth without pressure.

⁠⁠Livology (Psychology - Private Practice)⁠⁠

⁠⁠MS: Get Your Head Around It! (Online Course)⁠⁠

If you need any support after listening to our podcast, you can contact Lifeline in Australia at 13 11 14, available 24/7. For support in other locations, please visit ⁠Befrienders Worldwide⁠.

⁠Instagram @butyoulooksogoodpodcast⁠

Labels can be powerful—they help us find community, access support, and make sense of our experiences. But they can also feel limiting, overwhelming, or like they don’t quite fit. In this episode, we unpack the labels often attached to chronic illness and explore what they mean for our identity, self-perception, and interactions with the world. Do labels help us feel seen, or do they box us in? And what happens when the labels we’re given don’t align with how we see ourselves? Tune in as we navigate the complicated relationship between language and lived experience

⁠⁠Livology (Psychology - Private Practice)⁠⁠

⁠⁠MS: Get Your Head Around It! (Online Course)⁠⁠

If you need any support after listening to our podcast, you can contact Lifeline in Australia at 13 11 14, available 24/7. For support in other locations, please visit ⁠Befrienders Worldwide⁠.

⁠Instagram @butyoulooksogoodpodcast⁠

In this episode, It’s Mental, we explore the difference between mental health and mental illness, breaking down the many dimensions that shape our mental well-being. Mental health isn’t just about the presence or absence of illness—it’s a dynamic, ever-changing experience influenced by our environment, relationships, and personal circumstances. We also unpack common misconceptions and consider how societal attitudes impact the way we talk about and experience it. Tune in for a thoughtful discussion on what mental health really means and why it matters.

⁠⁠Livology (Psychology - Private Practice)⁠⁠

⁠⁠MS: Get Your Head Around It! (Online Course)⁠⁠

If you need any support after listening to our podcast, you can contact Lifeline in Australia at 13 11 14, available 24/7. For support in other locations, please visit ⁠Befrienders Worldwide⁠.

⁠Instagram @butyoulooksogoodpodcast⁠

In this episode, Where Did Everyone Go? we explore loneliness and social isolation in chronic illness. Sally and Seona unpack the difference between the two, how they affect physical and mental health, and why support networks often shrink over time. Join us as we discuss the emotional toll of isolation, the societal factors at play, and ways to foster meaningful connections.

⁠⁠Livology (Psychology - Private Practice)⁠⁠

⁠⁠MS: Get Your Head Around It! (Online Course)⁠⁠

If you need any support after listening to our podcast, you can contact Lifeline in Australia at 13 11 14, available 24/7. For support in other locations, please visit ⁠Befrienders Worldwide⁠.

⁠Instagram @butyoulooksogoodpodcast⁠

Sleep often takes a backseat to other aspects of health, but its impact on cognitive function, mood, and physical well-being is undeniable. In this episode, Seona and Sally explore the importance of sleep, sharing their own experiences with shifting sleep patterns, the challenges of balancing work, parenthood, and the temptation to stay up late. They also discuss practical sleep hygiene tips and evidence-based strategies to improve rest. Tune in for a mix of relatable anecdotes and expert insights to help you prioritise sleep and wake up feeling better.

Links 

⁠⁠Livology (Psychology - Private Practice)⁠⁠

⁠⁠MS: Get Your Head Around It! (Online Course)⁠⁠

If you need any support after listening to our podcast, you can contact Lifeline in Australia at 13 11 14, available 24/7. For support in other locations, please visit⁠Befrienders Worldwide⁠.

⁠Instagram @butyoulooksogoodpodcast⁠

Humour can be a lifeline, a way to find light in the darkest moments—but is it always helpful? In this episode, Sally and Seona explore the complex relationship between humour and chronic illness. While research often labels humour as a maladaptive coping strategy, they challenge this notion, discussing its benefits for resilience, connection, and mental well-being. They also unpack the downsides—when humour becomes a mask for avoidance or dismisses real struggles. Through personal stories, psychological insights, and a few laughs along the way, they explore how to use humour in a way that supports, rather than suppresses, emotional health.

Camel Video

⁠⁠Livology (Psychology - Private Practice)⁠⁠

⁠⁠

MS: Get Your Head Around It! (Online Course)⁠⁠

If you need any support after listening to our podcast, you can contact Lifeline in Australia at 13 11 14, available 24/7. For support in other locations, please visit ⁠Befrienders Worldwide⁠.

⁠Instagram @butyoulooksogoodpodcast⁠

Welcome to the podcast But You Look So Good.

We are two psychologists on a mission to illuminate the realities of living with chronic health conditions.

Hosted by Sally Shaw and Seona Ilalio, both living with chronic health conditions. They lead Livology, a private practice specialising is psychological support for those navigating chronic health challenges.

Tune in to hear candid conversations and professional insights designed to create community and connection within the chronic health conditions population.

Livology (Psychology - Private Practice)⁠⁠

⁠⁠MS: Get Your Head Around It! (Online Course)⁠⁠

If you need any support after listening to our podcast, you can contact Lifeline in Australia at 13 11 14, available 24/7. For support in other locations, please visit ⁠Befrienders Worldwide⁠.

⁠Instagram @butyoulooksogoodpodcast⁠

Seona and Sally dive into the power of saying 'No' and the importance of setting boundaries in everyday life. They share personal experiences, role-play real-life scenarios, and offer practical strategies to help you navigate difficult conversations with confidence. Whether it’s managing relationships, work expectations, or personal energy levels, learning to say ‘No’ without guilt is a crucial skill for self-care and well-being. Tune in to explore how asserting your needs can lead to a more balanced, fulfilling life—because ‘No’ really is a complete sentence.

⁠⁠Livology (Psychology - Private Practice)⁠⁠

⁠⁠MS: Get Your Head Around It! (Online Course)⁠⁠

If you need any support after listening to our podcast, you can contact Lifeline in Australia at 13 11 14, available 24/7. For support in other locations, please visit ⁠Befrienders Worldwide⁠.

⁠Instagram @butyoulooksogoodpodcast⁠

In this episode of But You Look So Good, Sally and Seona dive into the necessity and benefits of embracing slow living. They share personal stories and reflections on how living intentionally can help navigate a fast-paced world, especially while managing a chronic condition. From setting boundaries and reducing stress to practicing gratitude and mindful habits, this episode offers practical tips to help you slow down, reclaim your energy, and create a more fulfilling, balanced life.

⁠⁠Livology (Psychology - Private Practice)⁠⁠

⁠⁠MS: Get Your Head Around It! (Online Course)⁠⁠

If you need any support after listening to our podcast, you can contact Lifeline in Australia at 13 11 14, available 24/7. For support in other locations, please visit ⁠Befrienders Worldwide⁠.

⁠Instagram @butyoulooksogoodpodcast⁠