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What Health Coaches Sometimes Get Wrong About Chronic Conditions

I was scrolling through social media when I stumbled upon a quote from a health coach that read, "You can make time for health or illness. Those are your choices." It was one of those well-meaning phrases that, while inspirational to some, left many in the autoimmune community, including myself, feeling somewhat dismissed. It’s a perspective that, while motivational, fails to grasp the realities faced by those living with autoimmune conditions like Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)

The debate sparked by this quote brought to light an important issue: the oversimplification of complex health challenges. By this, there is a tendency for some health professionals to take a one-size-fits-all approach to health. As a result, health professionals can find themselves repeating these commonly used phrases without considering the stigmas they are perpetuating.

I know this firsthand because I was one of those health coaches when I first started. Unfortunately, I didn’t know better, so I didn’t do better. Rather than consider the genetic, hereditary, and systemic factors contributing to disease, I falsely assumed that a person's health was solely based on their life choices.

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Today, I know that is simply not the case.

A few key things I like to consider before I post to social media

1. Remember the chronic nature of autoimmunity

The nature of autoimmune conditions like AS means that our choices do not merely influence them. It’s not as simple as deciding whether to be healthy or not. These conditions are often a lifelong journey that involves managing symptoms, undergoing treatments, and adapting to an ever-changing disease course. That’s why ensuring that we’re considering nuance regarding health is essential.

2. Positive thinking doesn’t make flare-ups disappear

For someone with AS, flare-ups can be unpredictable and severe. No amount of positive thinking or time management can prevent a flare-up or diminish its impact. This makes the notion of "choosing" between health and illness not just unrealistic but also insensitive to the daily struggles faced by those with AS. This doesn’t mean we can’t be positive in our support of others, but it’s important not to diminish their struggle.

3. Medical intervention plays a big role for many

Effective management of AS often requires ongoing medical care, including medication, physical therapy, and sometimes surgery. These treatments are not optional choices but necessary interventions to maintain quality of life. The idea that you can simply "choose health" overlooks the crucial role of professional medical support. People shouldn’t ever be made to feel that they must choose between medical intervention or a non-medical approach. Everyone gets to decide what works best for them and should never be judged for their choices.

4. We don’t need to maintain appearances for anyone

Living with a chronic condition also takes a significant emotional toll. The pressure to maintain an appearance of "choosing health" can add stress and frustration, leading to feelings of inadequacy or guilt. It’s essential to recognize that managing a chronic illness involves more than just making time— it requires resilience, support, and understanding. There will be moments when a person won’t be able to show up fully, and there’s nothing wrong with that. We aren’t here to impress anyone and don’t need to appear better than we are.

5. Finding the right community and support matters

The strength of our autoimmune community lies in the shared experiences and support we provide one another. It’s not about choosing between health and illness but about navigating a challenging journey with empathy and solidarity. Recognizing this can foster a more supportive environment for everyone with similar conditions. When we ask for help, we encourage others to do the same.

The discussion sparked by this quote offers a valuable opportunity to broaden our understanding of autoimmune conditions. Instead of focusing on the notion of choice, we should acknowledge the complexities of living with a condition like AS. Our community thrives on mutual support, realistic expectations, and empathy for the challenges faced by each individual.

Understanding the realities of autoimmune conditions is crucial in fostering a supportive and informed community. How do you feel about the notion of choosing between health and illness? What has your experience been like, and how do you manage the ups and downs of living with AS? Let us know in the comments below.

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The AxialSpondyloarthritis.net team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

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