But You Look So Good

In this episode, Sally Shaw and Seona Ilalio explore the complex and often hidden emotion of shame, drawing on Brené Brown's powerful definition: "the intensely painful feeling or experience of believing that we are flawed and therefore unworthy of love, belonging, and connection." We unpack how shame can impact those living with chronic health conditions, making them feel isolated and less than. Through personal stories and honest conversations, they discuss vulnerability as the antidote to shame, highlighting how opening up can dismantle these feelings and foster genuine connection. Join them as they delve into the power of communication, showing how sharing our struggles not only combats shame but also brings us closer together on a deeply human level.

⁠⁠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, we explore the inherent human desire for control—why it's so deeply ingrained and how it plays out in the context of living with a chronic health condition. We highlight how our quest to control every aspect of our health can sometimes do more harm than good. We’ll discuss the delicate balance between control and management, offering practical insights on how to develop a healthy relationship with control that empowers rather than overwhelms. Join us as we unpack strategies for finding your footing in a world where not everything can be controlled but where some control can still make all the difference.

⁠⁠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

"Did You See 60 Minutes?" is about the common experience of people living with chronic health conditions being frequently told by others to watch certain TV shows, read specific articles, or consider various miracle cures they saw on programs like "60 Minutes". The episode delves into why people tend to share these types of stories and advice, often without understanding the complexities of chronic illness. It explores the reasons behind this behaviour, such as a desire to help, the influence of cultural narratives about overcoming adversity, and the pressure to find solutions.

⁠⁠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.

This week, Sally Shaw and Seona Ilalio dive into the concept of "Inspiration Porn," a term used to describe society's tendency to view people with disabilities or chronic health conditions as inspirational simply for living their daily lives. The episode unpacks how this perception can be both flattering and problematic, exploring the impact it has on those who are often labelled as "inspirational" without their consent. Sally and Seona discuss the complexities of being seen as special just for carrying on after a diagnosis, examining how intent plays a crucial role in how these compliments are received. They also reflect on the fine line between genuine admiration and objectification, offering insights into how to approach the idea of inspiration with sensitivity and awareness.

⁠⁠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.

This episode explores the pervasive sense of impending doom that many people with chronic health conditions experience. It delves into both external and internal pressures to seize opportunities and "live life to the fullest" before their condition potentially worsens. Hosts Sally Shaw and Seona Illaio examine how this messaging, often conveyed by well-meaning friends, family, and even society, can create a sense of urgency and fear, leading to feelings of inadequacy or anxiety. It also looks at how these messages are internalised, influencing decisions and behaviours, and the emotional toll it takes on those trying to balance the desire to live fully with the reality of their health condition.

⁠⁠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.

In this episode titled “Who’s going to date you now?," hosts Sally Shaw and Seona Ilalio tackle the complexities of dating with a chronic health condition. They delve into the unique challenges of disclosing your condition to potential partners and how this crucial conversation can often serve as a useful screener for compatibility or to filter out unsuitable matches. Sally and Seona share their personal experiences of dating after their diagnoses, offering candid insights and practical advice for navigating romance with a chronic illness.

⁠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.

In the premiere episode of "But You Look So Good," hosts Sally Shaw and Seona Ilalio dive into the origins of the podcast and discuss how "But you look so good" is a line commonly heard by people living with chronic health conditions, often reflecting a lack of understanding about invisible illnesses. Both Sally and Seona share their personal journeys with chronic health conditions, revealing the challenges they've faced and how these experiences have shaped their lives and careers. Now, as Psychologists, they reflect on how they would respond to this comment today, offering insights on fostering empathy and understanding.

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 13, available 24/7. For support in other locations, please visit Befrienders Worldwide.