Summary

In this conversation, Monica Michelle and Ann-Britt discuss their shared experiences with chronic illness, particularly Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. They explore the challenges of living with a chronic condition, the importance of community support, and the therapeutic role of music in coping with illness. Ann-Britt shares her journey from being an active musician to adapting her life around her health challenges, including the use of a wheelchair. They also touch on the differences in healthcare systems between Denmark and the USA, emphasizing the need for better understanding and support for those with chronic illnesses. In this conversation, Monica Michelle and Ann-Britt discuss the challenges of traveling with a disability, the emotional journey of adapting to life changes due to chronic illness, and the importance of setting boundaries. They explore generational differences in self-care, the concept of diminished normalcy, and the emotional ties to home. Ann-Britt shares her musical inspirations and the themes of her upcoming album, highlighting the beauty in small moments and the power of creativity in the face of adversity.

Keywords

chronic illness, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, mental health, creativity, music therapy, wheelchair use, healthcare systems, Denmark, USA, community support, chronic illness, accessibility, self-care, personal growth, music, life changes, boundaries, emotional health, travel experiences, generational differences

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Monica Michelle is joined by author Sue Jackson.

Sue lives with Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and Lyme disease.

In this episode, Monica and Sue discuss:

• Sue’s pathway to diagnosis
• Parenting with chronic illness and parenting a child with chronic illness
• Managing ME/CFS from diagnosis to creating routines
• Using books to cope emotionally
• Writing a book while having chronic fatigue

00:46 Sue’s diagnosis and how she manages her symptoms

13:03 Parenting with a chronic illness

25:02 COVID-19’s impact on chronic illness

30:35 Books as a form of escapism and connection

42:00 The challenges of writing and the importance of routines with chronic illness

The full transcript and all links mentioned can be found on the episode page on invisiblenotbroken.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Monica Michelle is joined by artist Kyrianna Bolles.

Kyrianna lives with chronic pain.

In this episode, Monica and Kyrianna discuss:

• Kyrianna’s struggle to be accommodated for her pain throughout school years
• How Kyrianna uses her portraits to help represent other’s chronic conditions
• The communities Kyrianna has built, from a college support group to an artist collective
• Kyrianna’s favorite tools for art and chronic pain

00:00 Intro to Kyrianna

10:45 Kyrianna’s self portraits

24:42 Kyrianna’s Support group

33:40 Animus

45:57 Kyriannas favorite support tools

The full transcript and all links mentioned can be found on the episode page on invisiblenotbroken.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.