Welcome to the Mental and Emotional Health page on the ACMCRN website, a valuable resource for individuals seeking information and support for mental and emotional wellness. Here you will find a variety of articles, resources, and tips on managing stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as addressing issues related to trauma, addiction, and grief. Our page offers self-help tools, including guided meditations and relaxation exercises, as well as information on local support groups and mental health providers. We update the page regularly to provide the latest information and resources on mental and emotional health, making it a comprehensive and reliable resource for anyone looking to improve their overall well-being.
Join our supportive Zoom meetings in partnership with Friends in Arachnoiditis, tailored for women, men, and inclusive discussions. These sessions are a safe space for both patients and caregivers to share, learn, and find support. Check our Calendar of Events page for upcoming dates and times, and become part of a community that understands and supports your journey.
Visit our Arachnoiditis Community Forum, a dedicated space where individuals touched by arachnoiditis come together to share experiences, offer support, and find solace among those who truly understand. This forum is your platform to discuss treatments, share personal stories, and connect with others on a similar journey. Our goal is to foster a supportive, informative, and compassionate community where everyone feels heard and empowered. Join us as we navigate the challenges and triumphs of living with arachnoiditis, united by hope and a shared desire for a brighter future.
Visit our ACMCRN Private Support Group. This Facebook is a group dedicated to providing support and resources for individuals and families affected by Arachnoiditis. The group offers a safe and supportive community where members can share their experiences, ask questions, and connect with others who understand what it's like to live with this rare condition. With a focus on education and advocacy, the group provides valuable information and resources to help individuals better manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
The ACMCRN Facebook group is a public-facing group that provides resources and support for individuals and families affected by rare diseases, including Arachnoiditis. With a focus on education, advocacy, and awareness, the group offers valuable information and resources to help individuals better manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. Members of this group can access a wide range of resources, including informational articles, videos, and community events.
Articles & Resources
Video, "Understanding the Unique Mental Health Needs in People Facing Rare Disease"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tltw2FRsw1U
Accepting a Chronic Pain Diagnosis- a must read for anyone with Arachnoiditis or any chronic pain condition.
Chronic Pain Diagnosis: A Trip Through the 5 Emotional Stages (practicalpainmanagement.com)
Becky Hill (CSF Leak and Arachnoiditis). Becky has a wonderful blog about her journey with Arachnoiditis and I highly recommend that you take the time to check it out. Here's a great article she wrote that I highly recommend you read if you're struggling daily living with a chronic illness like Arachnoiditis called Waves of Grief in Chronic Illness | Becky Hill's Blog (beckyhillblog.com)
Mindful Natalie- another great blog about accepting your life with chronic pain and how to embrace mindfulness.
How Chronic Illness Taught Me to Apologize Less Often, With More Meaning | Mindful Natalie
Understanding the Unique Mental Health Needs
This video explores the specialized mental health challenges encountered by individuals with rare diseases and their families, underscoring the inadequacy of conventional psychological therapies in addressing their unique stressors and symptoms. It emphasizes the necessity for mental health interventions tailored to the specific experiences and anxieties related to living with a rare disease, highlighting personal stories and the establishment of the Esiason O'Hare Institute for Behavioral Medicine. This institute aims to develop and provide mental health interventions that are appropriately adapted to the needs of those with rare diseases, addressing the gap in standard therapeutic practices and the difficulty in finding therapists knowledgeable about rare diseases.
Stages of Grief for People With Chronic Pain
The video "Stages of Grief for People With Chronic Pain & Chronic Illness," presented by Amanda Pratt, a licensed clinical social worker, explores an adapted model of grief specific to those experiencing chronic pain or illness. Developed by Dr. Jennifer Martin, who lives with chronic conditions herself, this model expands the traditional five stages of grief to seven, capturing the unique emotional journey of individuals with chronic conditions. The stages include denial, pleading and bargaining, desperation, guilt and anger, anxiety and depression, loss of self and confusion, and acceptance. Each stage reflects the complex process of coming to terms with a chronic illness, emphasizing that this journey is non-linear and individualized. The model encourages understanding, adaptation, and finding new joys despite the challenges posed by chronic conditions.