I hadn't realized the extent to which having cystic fibrosis helped shape me as a social worker, until I opened up to my coworkers about my disease. Through those conversations, I have come to understand that isolation causes many people with CF to struggle and that connection to others and a support system are key to coping with this disease.
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My son who has cystic fibrosis required extensive treatment as a toddler, which I believe had a traumatic effect on his mental health. With the help of therapy, I have helped him learn how to self-advocate and use coping strategies for his anxiety, starting when he was just 4 years old.
The challenges of living with cystic fibrosis can sometimes be overwhelming. When I hit rock bottom, I found that my faith in God restored me and has helped sustain me through difficult times.
Getting a double-lung transplant has been a life-changing journey. Along the way, I've had to deal with changes in my mental health and the struggle to keep my survivor guilt in check.
It's easy to fall into the trap of pitying ourselves and focusing on what is going wrong in our lives. Instead, spend your time looking for all the good things that are happening too.
It's difficult to manage cystic fibrosis self-care when you have a child with a disability. Don't pressure yourself to be like other moms. Just do the best you can. Your kids will value your efforts.
I'm glad I finally got diagnosed with bipolar disorder. It doesn't mean I'm “crazy.” Sometimes, your brain gets sick just like your lungs do.
As a social worker, my career has been primarily focused on crisis intervention and psychiatric hospitalizations for those with mental illness. It wasn't until I received a double-lung transplant that I learned firsthand just how important mental health and trauma management can be.
Cystic fibrosis has brought countless treatments, hospitalizations, and hardships, leaving me with an overwhelming amount of emotions. When I found painting, not only did I find a new hobby, but I learned a way to escape by turning my emotions into artwork.
My life after a 2011 lung transplant was going along smoothly -- until chronic rejection and the wait for new lungs while hospitalized took me to my physical and emotional limits.