Coping With a Chronic Illness With Psychotherapist Lori Gottlieb

In the Verywell Mind Podcast, Amy Morin, LCSW, interviews accomplished individuals from diverse backgrounds about the strategies that help them think, feel, and do their best in life.

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About Lori Gottlieb:

Lori Gottlieb is a psychotherapist and a "New York Times" bestselling author. Her books, such as "Maybe You Should Talk to Someone," have been translated into various languages.

She contributes a regular column called "Dear Therapist" to "The Atlantic." Additionally, she co-hosts a podcast with Guy Winch titled "Dear Therapists," where they offer actionable advice and address listeners' problems through simulated therapy sessions.

Why Lori Gottlieb Is Mentally Strong:

In a field where sharing personal stories is uncommon, Lori's willingness to share her experiences in her book "Maybe You Should Talk to Someone" stands out. She openly discussed how therapy positively influenced her life when she sought help after a challenging breakup. She spoke candidly about her mistakes and how therapy enabled her to change her inner narrative.

Lori has also bravely shared her struggle with an undiagnosed chronic illness for years, highlighting the unique challenges faced by individuals with chronic health conditions.

Key Points Discussed in the Show:

• The psychological impact of chronic illness
• The cultural emphasis on health and the significance of illness
• The power of writing a letter to one's illness as a healing exercise
• Communicating with individuals who dismiss or minimize one's illness
• Self-advocacy and assertiveness in navigating healthcare systems
• The importance of receiving a diagnosis for symptoms
• How to support an individual with a chronic illness

Insights Gained About Mental Health and Mental Strength:

• Invalidating advice from uninformed individuals can be harmful.
• Sharing struggles with empathetic listeners can foster mental strength.
• Support groups, therapy, and online forums can be helpful resources.

Quotes From Lori Gottlieb:

• "There's no hierarchy of illness. You have what you have and you have the struggles that you have."
• "I really want to encourage people that if they feel like something isn't right with their health, that they go to a doctor who is going to take them seriously and [will] really listen and get to the bottom of what is going on."
• "Six out of ten Americans are dealing with a chronic illness. If you don't have experience with that yourself, you know someone who does. You might not even know that you know someone who does."
• "People tend to hide because they feel shame or they feel embarrassed or they feel like no one will understand. But the only way that people will understand is if you educate them."

More About the Podcast:

The Verywell Mind Podcast is accessible on all streaming platforms. If you appreciate the content, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts.

Reviews and ratings play a significant role in encouraging others to listen and prioritize their mental health.

Editor's Note: This transcript has not undergone our standard editorial process and may contain inaccuracies and grammatical errors. Please contact Amy [here] for media or public speaking inquiries.

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