On this episode, chronic illness coach Helen Jones opens up about her journey with ankylosing spondylitis. She recounts the emotional impact of being diagnosed after initially believing she had a simple back injury and shares how she came to terms with living with a lifelong condition as a young adult.
Cheryl and Helen dive into the often-overlooked mental challenges of inflammatory arthritis, which can sometimes feel harder to navigate than the physical symptoms. They explore mindset strategies and mental tools that have helped them, including approaches from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
The conversation also highlights the importance of balance, such as steering clear of extreme “healthy” habits—like overly restrictive diets—that can add unnecessary stress. Cheryl and Helen share how they’ve learned to set boundaries and overcome the tendency to be people pleasers.
With insights on managing self-talk and practicing self-compassion, Helen offers a refreshing perspective for anyone navigating a chronic illness. Tune in to discover practical tips for embracing progress over perfection and living well with a chronic condition.
All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Rheum to THRIVE, an online course and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. See all the details and join the program or waitlist now!