Ever felt like your body was at war with you, and despite all your efforts, you couldn't find the right answers? What if the key to unlocking your well-being lies in a journey of self-discovery?

Picture this: years of mysterious symptoms, countless doctor visits, and a whirlwind of physical and mental struggles. You're constantly battling anxiety, panic attacks, and depression while trying to navigate a world that doesn't quite understand the complexity of your condition. Sound familiar?

 Now, imagine facing all of this while being diagnosed with celiac disease, a condition that not only disrupts your daily life but also challenges your mental well-being. Our guest today, Kathryn Zieno, shares her story of battling undiagnosed celiac disease for years, struggling through the maze of misdiagnoses, and finally finding the path to healing.

 In this episode, you’ll learn:

👉 The challenges of getting diagnosed with celiac disease, especially when symptoms manifest early in life.

👉The impact of undiagnosed celiac disease on mental health, relationships, and overall well-being.

👉The importance of seeking proper medical guidance, advocating for yourself, and finding the right support system.

👉Strategies for coping with anxiety, panic attacks, and depression, especially in the context of chronic illness.

👉How grief can intertwine with existing health challenges and the importance of addressing it in therapy.

 

Get ready for an enlightening conversation that explores the intersection of physical and mental well-being. Stay tuned for insights that might just change the way you approach your health journey.

 

Connect with Kathryn:

Instagram: @kzieno

 

TOPICS DISCUSSED

• Kathryn Zieno's journey of battling undiagnosed celiac disease since childhood.

• The challenges of getting diagnosed with celiac disease, including misdiagnoses and the impact on mental health.

• Early symptoms of celiac disease, such as skin rashes, joint inflammation, and recurrent infections.

• The struggle to find answers and the toll on Kathryn’s physical and mental well-being.

• Seeking help from a supportive primary care practitioner and the validation of a celiac diagnosis.

• The importance of thorough testing, including blood work and endoscopy, in confirming celiac disease.

• The initial expectations of improvement after going gluten-free and the surprising challenges that followed.

• Kathryn’s experiences with therapy, including past negative encounters and the positive impact of a skilled therapist during law school.

• Coping mechanisms, such as grounding exercises and physical activities, used during periods of anxiety and panic attacks.

• The decision to return to therapy, driven by the grief associated with a significant relationship and loss.

• The intertwining of grief and existing health challenges and the importance of addressing both in therapy.