Tag Archives: #powerofsupport

The Power of Support for Hypothyroidism and Hashimoto Patients

A strong support system can help people manage the stress of their illness, both emotionally and practically. Part of life is experiencing ups and downs. Research has shown that having a support system has many positive benefits, such as higher levels of well-being, better coping skills and a longer and healthier life.  Some people react better with a large support group, while others need a smaller support system.

There are many different layers of support that people develop and create around them only help. Your support system can come in many forms—like a family member, a mental health professional, your pet, a faith-based community, a clergy member, a neighborhood, or a support group—and it will vary from patient to patient.

Each person who experiences hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s  experiences it differently.

Illness is a unique experience that each individual responds to differently and that looks different for everybody. “I feel like every person has a cup. You need to always leave room at the top and always try to replenish that cup in some way.” Support groups within the community can be helpful or in an online chat group but if you try to talk to people who are walking a parallel process like you they tend to understand better. It’s as if they have walked in your shoes.  Finding a good support system is so important.

The bottom line
Remember that a goal of building your  support team  is to reduce your overall stress level, not add to it. Be mindful of  situations that seem to drain your energy. For example, avoid spending too much time with someone who is constantly negative, critical and unhealthy behaviors. Negative people can drain your energy and bring you down.

It does take time to build a support network but it is a wise investment not only in your mental well-being but also in your physical health and longevity. Start making more friends or improving the relationships you already have. It doesn’t matter if you’re the one getting the support or the one doling out the encouragement, you will certainly reap the rewards..

A Women’s Holistic Holy Grail Handbook for Hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s: How I healed my Hypothyroidism and Autoimmune Disorder with Personalized Nutrition

Audrey Childers is a published author, blogger, freelance journalist and an entrepreneur with over a decade of experience in research and editorial writing. She is also the creator and founder of the website the hypothyroidismchick.com. Where you can find great tips on everyday living with hypothyroidism. She enjoys raising her children and being a voice for optimal human health and wellness. She is the published author of : A survivors cookbook guide to kicking hypothyroidism booty, Reset your Thyroid, The Ultimate guide to healing hypothyroidism and  A survivors cookbook guide to kicking hypothyroidism booty: the slow cooker way. You can find all these books on Amazon.  You can also find her actively involved in her Facebook Group : Healing Hypothyroidism. This blog may be re-posted freely with proper attribution, author bio, and this copyright statement.

Disclaimer

The information and recipes contained in blog is based upon the research and the personal experiences of the author. It’s for entertainment purposes only. Every attempt has been made to provide accurate, up to date and reliable information. No warranties of any kind are expressed or implied. Readers acknowledge that the author is not engaging in the rendering of legal, financial, medical or professional advice. By reading this blog, the reader agrees that under no circumstance the author is not responsible for any loss, direct or indirect, which are incurred by using this information contained within this blog. Including but not limited to errors, omissions or inaccuracies. This blog is not intended as replacements from what your health care provider has suggested.  The author is not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any of the suggestions, preparations or procedures discussed in this blog. All matters pertaining to your health should be supervised by a health care professional. I am not a doctor, or a medical professional. This blog is designed for as an educational and entertainment tool only. Please always check with your health practitioner before taking any vitamins, supplements, or herbs, as they may have side-effects, especially when combined with medications, alcohol, or other vitamins or supplements.  Knowledge is power, educate yourself and find the answer to your health care needs. Wisdom is a wonderful thing to seek.  I hope this blog will teach and encourage you to take leaps in your life to educate yourself for a happier & healthier life. You have to take ownership of your health.

Resources:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/social-support/art-20044445

https://www.bjceap.com/Blog/ArtMID/448/ArticleID/139/The-Importance-of-Developing-a-Support-System

NHS Choices (2014). “Struggling with stress?” Available at: http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/pages/understandi… [Accessed on 17/11/15].
Crum, A.J., Salovey, P. & Achor, S. (2013). Rethinking stress: The role of mindsets in determining the stress response. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 104 (4), 716-733.
Kivimaki, M., Virtanen, M., Elovainio, M., Kouvonen, A., Vaananen, A. & Vahtera, J. (2006). Work stress in the etiology of coronary heart disease—a meta-analysis. Scand J Work Environ Health, 32(6), 431-442.
Hammen, C. (2005). Stress and depression. Annu Rev Clin Psychol., 1, 293-319.
Schneiderman, N., Ironson, G. & Siegel, S.D. (2005). Stress and Health: Psychological, Behavioural, and Biological Determinants. Annu Rev Clin Psychol., 1, 607-628.
Cohen, S. & Hoberman, H.M. (1983). Positive events and social supports as buffers of life change stress. Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 13, 99–125. Available at: http://www.midss.org/sites/default/files/chips.pdf [Accessed on 23/11/15].
Groesz, L., McCoy, S., Carl, J., Saslow, L., Stewart, J., Adler, N., Laraia, B. & Epel, E. (2012). What is eating you? Stress and the drive to eat. Appetite, 58 (2), 717-721.
Gray, J.A. (1988). The Psychology of Fear and Stress (2nd Ed). Cambridge University Press: New York.
Mason, J.W. (1968). A review of psychoendocrine research on the pituitary-adrenal cortical system. Psychosom med, 30, 576-607.
Cohen, S., Janicki-Deverts, D. & Miller, G.E. (2007). Psychological Stress and Disease, JAMA, 298 (4), 1685-1687.
Lazarus, R.S. & Folkman, S. (1984). Stress, Appraisal & Coping. Springer Publishing Company: New York.
McEwen, B.S. (2008). Central effects of stress hormones in health and disease: understanding the protective and damaging effects of stress and stress mediators. Eur J Pharmacol., 583 (2-3), 174-185.
NHS Choices (2014). “Struggling with stress?” Available at: http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/pages/understandi… [Accessed on 17/11/15].
Morrison, R. & O’Connor, R.C. (2004). Predicting Psychological Distress in College Students: The Role of Rumination and Stress. Journal of Clinical Psychology, DOI: 10.1002/jclp.20021.
Anxiety UK. “Stress.” Available at: https://www.anxietyuk.org.uk/our-services/get-help/ [Accessed on 22/11/16].
Health and Safety Executive. “Causes of Stress.” Available at: http://www.hse.gov.uk/stress/furtheradvice/causesofstress.htm [Accessed on 23/11/15].
Byrd, O’Brien, T. & DeLongis, A. (1997). Coping with Chronic Stress: An Interpersonal Perspective. In B.H. Gottlieb. (Eds). Coping with Chronic Stress. Springer Science+Business Media: New York.
Lunau, T., Bambra, C., Eikemo, T.A., van der Wel, K. & Dragano, N. (2014). A balancing act? Work-life balance, health and well-being in European welfare states. European Journal of Public Health, 24 (3), 422-427.
ONS (2014). Statistical Bulletin: Labour Market Statistics 2014. Available at: http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/dcp171778_363998.pdf [Accessed on 12/11/15].
Shiels, C., Gabbay, M.B. & Ford, F.M. (2004). Patient factors associated with duration of certified sickness absence and transition to long-term incapacity. Br J Gen Pract, 54, 86–91.
Health and Safety Executive (2008). Self-reported work related illness and workplace injuries in 2007/8. Results from the labor force survey. HSE
Pattani, S., Constantinovic, N. & Williams, S. (2001). Who retires early from the NHS because of ill health and what does it cost? A national cross sectional study. BMJ, 322, 208-209.
StepChange. (2015). “Statistics Yearbook: Personal Debt 2014.” Available at: http://www.stepchange.org/Portals/0/documents/media/reports/statisticsye… [Accessed 02/12/15].
The Money Charity. (2015). “The Money Statistics April 2015.” Available at: http://themoneycharity.org.uk/media/April-2015-Money-Statistics.pdf [Accessed on 02/12/15].
Moneysavingexpert.com. (2015). “Mental Health & Debt 2015.” Available at: http://images.moneysavingexpert.com/images/documents/mentalhealth2015v3.pdf [Accessed on 01/12/15].
NHS Choices. “Coping with money worries.” Available at: http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/pages/coping-with… [Accessed on 23/11/15].
McManus, S., Gill, V. & Bennett, C. (2015). Informing the UK National Suicide Prevention Strategy. The European Journal of Public Health, DOI
NHS Choices (2013). “What are the health risks of smoking?” Available at: http://www.nhs.uk/chq/Pages/2344.aspx?CategoryID=53 [Accessed on 18/11/15].
Mental Health Foundation (2006). “Cheers Report.” Available at: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/cheers-understanding-relati… [Accessed 22/11/16]
Royal College of Psychiatrists (2010). “Alcohol and Depression.” http://www.nhs.uk/ipgmedia/national/royal%20college%20of%20psychiatrists… [Accessed on 23/11/15].
Drink Aware, “Alcohol Unit Guidelines.” Available at: https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/check-the-facts/what-is-alcohol/daily-guide… [Accessed on 23/11/15].
Mind. “About Prescription Drugs.” Available at: http://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/drugs-and-treatments/sleeping… [Accessed on 23/11/15].
National Institute of Drugs Abuse. “Medical Consequences of Drug Abuse: Mental Health Effects.” Available at: http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/medical-consequences-drug-abuse/me… [Accessed on 23/11/15].
Crum, A.J., Salovey, P. & Achor, S. (2013). Rethinking stress: The role of mindsets in determining the stress response. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 104 (4), 716-733.
Wright, R., Cohen, R.T. & Cohen, S. (2005). The impact of stress on the development and expression of atopy. Clinical Immunology, 5, 23-29.
Patacchioli, F.R., Angelucci, L., Dell’Erba, A., Monnazzi, P. & Leri, O. (2001). Actual Stress, Psychopathology and Salivary Cortisol Levels in the Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). J Endocrinal Invest, 24, 173-177.
Hammen, C. (2005). Stress and depression. Annu Rev Clin Psychol., 1, 293-319.
NHS Choices (2014). “Struggling with stress?” Available at: http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/pages/understandi… [Accessed on 17/11/15].
Amine, E. et al. (2002). “Diet, nutrition and the prevention of chronic diseases: report of a Joint WHO/FAO Expert Consultation”. World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland. Available at: http://www.who.int/dietphysicalactivity/publications/trs916/download/en/ [Accessed on 24/11/15].
Rogers, P.J. (2001). A healthy body, a healthy mind: long-term impact of diet on mood and cognitive function. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, 60 (1), 135-143.
Cornah D. (2006). “Feeding Minds: The impact of food on mental health”. Mental Health Foundation. Available at: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/feeding-minds [Accessed on 22/11/16].
Mental Health Foundation (2006). “Cheers Report.” Available at: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/cheers-understanding-relati… [Accessed 22/11/16]
Penedo, F.J. & Dahn, J.R. (2005). Exercise and well-being: a review of mental and physical health benefits associated with physical activity. Current Opinion in Psychiatry. 18 (2), 189–193.
Greeson, J.M. (2008). Mindfulness research update: 2008. Complementary Health Practice Review 14,10–8.
Mental Health Foundation (2011). “Sleep Matters: The impact of sleep on health and well-being.” Available at: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/sleep-report [Accessed on 22/11/16].