Mindful Social Media and Chronic Illness: Gittel and Cheryl’s Journeys

Cheryl and Gittel explore the importance of being mindful with our social media use. While they highlight the risks of falling into negative patterns that can lead to isolation, they also emphasize social media’s powerful potential for connection and support among those living with chronic illness.

Gittel shares how participating in online support communities like Rheum to THRIVE has strengthened her self-management and coping strategies. Together, Cheryl and Gittel stress the importance of setting intentional goals for social media use, fostering connection, protecting mental health, and ultimately avoiding the trap of isolation.

Episode at a glance:

• Milestone guest return: Gittel joins the podcast for her fifth appearance and reflections on her journey with Crohn’s disease and ankylosing spondylitis.
• Rheum To Thrive: Gittel reflects on how her relationship with the Rheum to Thrive program has grown over time.
• Mindful social media use: Comparing patterns of use, misuse, and abuse to drug use.
• The double-edged sword of social media: Exploring both its risks (isolation, negative cycles) and benefits (connection, support).
• Personal impact: Gittel’s story of how online support communities improved her coping and self-management.
• Practical takeaways: Setting intentional goals for social media to foster connection, protect mental health, and avoid isolation.

Medical disclaimer: 

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.

Episode Sponsors

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! 

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