Chronically Creative

I decided to resurrect the podcast for this week's election results because I know many of you are worn out and worried. I am with you. I go on a tangent about my disgust and depression, but also I wanted to let you know that you are not alone in this. We need to stick together. Thinking of all of you chronically ill people out there who don't need anything else to worry about but this week you just got a whole lot more dumped in your lap. It's not fair or right and it's going to be a long four years. Whenever we can, we're going to remind ourselves to do something small to make a difference.

How's everyone doing? It's summer and it's hot AF. Also, I reluctantly turn 40 and we talk about dealing with remissions and mental health. 

Hey, I'm back! Well, sort of. I started a new website and podcast called The Chronically ill Christian. We talk about turning to, and questioning, our faith in times of struggle with chronic disease and disability. Will try to find God in all the messy places of our lives and deal with the hard questions, while still trying to find hope and peace and healing. Come join us over at www.thechronicallyillchristian.com and listen wherever you get your podcasts. 

New year, no more podcasting? Well, we'll see...Oh, yeah, and screw those damn resolutions! :) 

Halloween can be triggering for those of us with mental illness. Unresolved trauma can surface during this time. Not everyone celebrates or they may celebrate in a way that excludes gore, spookiness and fright. If that's you, I understand. 

Let's talk about the scary aspect of cohabitating with others who also have a chronic illness. Does it work for you? Or does it leave you running from your home like it's haunted? Also, how do we return to "normal" after this pandemic when our version of normal never was normal? 

Want to be a guest on an upcoming podcast? Contact me: www.stephenfratello.com 

Just checking in. Fall is upon us and that can mean cooler temps, which is great for heat intolerance, but we also welcome fall allergens -- which is not so cool. Daylight savings time and darker days can be a bummer for SAD, depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. Also, do you live with someone who also has a chronic illness? Do you find it helpful or does it make everything worse? I want to talk to you about it on an upcoming podcast, so get in touch! 

How do we find a balance between acceptance and living in the moment vs. hoping for a better future? 

Sometimes birthdays can be a bit of a bummer with a chronic illness and sometimes grief can be....complicated. 

Independence Day. Yay.  And, does misery really love company? Also, has your chronic illness gotten so complicated and nuanced that you don't even know how to explain it to other people? Do you even understand it? It's totally okay if you don't. I'll talk about it in this episode.