Share
Invisible Not Broken - Chronic Illness Podcast Network
(HumanCare podcast) How to Manage Anxiety & Chronic Illness While Supporting a Loved One with a Chronic Illness: Nancy Jane Smith
Nancy’s Links
Website: Live-happier.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nancyjane_livehappier/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NancyJaneSmith/
Other Links
Brene Brown’s talk with Tim Ferris (SO AMAZING, A MUST LISTEN!)
What is your profession? Counselor/coach specializing in high functioning anxiety
What is your illness(es)? ankylosing spondylitis
What types of patients/conditions do you work with? High functioning anxiety
How did your illness shape your career? Challenged my own high functioning anxiety. Going easy on myself when I am in a flare and practicing the kindness I encourage my clients to practice.
Are/were you open about your illnesses with your patients? yes
What does “trust” mean to you in the patient-practitioner relationship? It is key to getting anything done. Trust means a mutual respect and care.
What are you most passionate about in regard to your work/helping people? Helping them realize that they don’t have to live in anxiety and they don’t need it to get stuff done.
How do/did you handle flares while at work? Being kind to myself, still working on this one
About Coach In Your Pocket:
Coach in Your Pocket is a revolutionary new way of working with a coach. Developed by Nancy Jane Smith of Live Happier, this new methodology was especially designed for people with High Functioning Anxiety.
As opposed to traditional in-person therapy sessions, Coach in Your Pocket gives you support in the moment, when you need it most. Using a convenient and user-friendly app called Voxer, you can leave Nancy a voice or text message at any time, 24/7, whenever you are struggling or having a panic attack or are pushing yourself too hard.
Imagine being able to reach a trusted, knowledgeable expert in High Functioning Anxiety at any time of day, any day of the week.
Imagine not having to wait until your scheduled session to vent, ask questions, get clarification, and celebrate victories.
That is how Coach in Your Pocket works.
This type of work is a game-changer.
Clients progress so much faster with this instant access because you can deal with your anxiety in the moment – without waiting for your next appointment.
In addition to unlimited Voxing throughout the three-month program, you will meet with Nancy once a month to dive deeper and continue to work toward long-term, lasting change.
Coach in Your Pocket is a three-month coaching program and Nancy would love to offer your listeners 20% off the price for 2 weeks after the podcast episode airs.
Visit www.live-happier.com/coach-in-your-pocket to schedule your free introductory call with Nancy.
More episodes
View all episodes
Dory’s Corner: New Podcast intro with Host Nick Clemmons
01:00:25|Monica Michelle is interviewed by consultant and content creator Nick Clemmons. Nick recently started the blog Dory’s Corner with Invisible Not Broken. A companion podcast hosted by Nick will be released soon.Nick lives with Sickle Cell Disease. Monica lives with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, POTS, MCAS, and Fibromyalgia.In this episode, Nick and Monica discuss:Monica’s diagnostic history and her relationship with her disabilitiesHow Monica learned to advocate for herselfLack of media representation influencing abled people’s perspectives of disabled folksHow Monica’s family functions around disabilityTIMESTAMPS00:42 - Monica’s history and relationship with her disabilities13:06 - How Monica found her voice *Trigger Warning: Mention of SA* 31:40 - Media representation45:09 - Monica’s familyThe full transcript and all links mentioned can be found on the episode page on invisiblenotbroken.com
Disability Access in the Education System and How to Support Disabled Folks’ Needs with Nick Clemmons
54:05|Monica Michelle is joined by consultant and podcast host Nick Clemmons.Nick lives with Sickle Cell Disease.In this episode, Monica and Nick discuss:The ways disabled folks are often forgotten in education infrastructureHow Nick navigates societal limitations to achieve his goalsDisability representation in the mediaKnowing how to realistically offer help to disabled folksTIMESTAMPS00:42 - ADA, Title IX, and disability access in schools20:08 - How Nick makes and achieves opportunities 28:40 - Media and disability40:42 - How to respectfully be concerned about someone else’s needsThe full transcript and all links mentioned can be found on the episode page on invisiblenotbroken.com
Vulnerability, Resiliency, and Advocacy with Tim Reitsma
47:06|Monica Michelle is joined by consultant and podcast host Tim Reitma.Tim lives with Crohn's Disease.In this episode, Monica and Tim discuss: Tim’s resiliency through managing his Crohn’sThe importance of self-advocacy, especially in the workplace Tim’s podcast why he shares stories of those with invisible illness TIMESTAMPS00:47 - Tim's diagnosis 06:31 - How and why Tim applies self advocacy15:41 - Why Tim started his podcast22:42 - Invisible condition etiquette31:00 - What HR can do better for employees with invisible illness39:31 - Tools Tim uses to care for his Crohn’s outside the homeThe full transcript and all links mentioned can be found on the episode page on invisiblenotbroken.com
Tech and Disability: What VR Offers the Disabled Community with Sunny Ammerman
01:10:27|Monica Michelle is joined by artist and disability advocate Sunny AmmermanSunny lives with Septo-optic dysplasia, panhypopituitarism, Optic Nerve Hypoplasia, and is missing a membrane in the brain called the "septum pellucidum".In this episode, Monica and Sunny discuss: Sunny’s complex disorders and how she copes with themEverything VR provides from accessible gaming, social platforms and the potential for better online education.Various VR/AR games and their gameplay Sunny’s VR support groupTIMESTAMPS00:45 - What VR/AR offers for chronically ill and disabled folks11:57 - Sunny’s conditions and how she copes with them17:55 - Features that make VR games accessible or inaccessible as well as different games and their play experiences37:13 - The social aspects of virtual gaming51:32 - What opportunities VR has for the future1:04:49 - Sunny’s VR support group The full transcript and all links mentioned can be found on the episode page on invisiblenotbroken.com
Reporting on Chronic Illness and Disability with Journalist Julia Metraux
39:16|Monica Michelle is joined by Journalist Julia Metraux.Julia lives with vasculitis, mild to moderate hearing loss, and has experienced long COVID.In this episode, Monica and Julia discuss: Julia's diagnosis with vasculitis and how it influences her journalistic lensHow community impacts the mental health of those with chronic illnessHow Julia and Monica find positives and negatives in the internet spaces for chronically ill and disabled folksThe politics of how government, businesses, and celebrities influence the chronic illness community TIMESTAMPS00:32 - Julia's diagnostic journey07:02 - Julia’s work reporting on the online community of chronic illness 16:32 - The effect of Internet communities on chronically ill and disabled folks26:46 - How Julia’s illness impacts her work, both in what she writes about and how she manages her lifestyleThe full transcript and all links mentioned can be found on the episode page on invisiblenotbroken.com
Author of “Pain: The Ultimate Mentor,” Physiotherapist Kevin Hunt
31:29|Monica Michelle is joined by author & physiotherapist Kevin Hunt.Kevin lives with chronic pain.In this episode, Monica and Kevin discuss: Kevin’s philosophy of pain management as a physiotherapist who experiences chronic pain. The Hexagon Model, a life-management tool for focusing on what’s important to you.Kevin’s idea behind his new book.Using pain as a guide.TIMESTAMPS00:34 - Kevin’s work as a physiotherapist specializing in the experience of pain 06:44 - The Hexagon Model for managing your life’s needs14:00 - Putting aside the idea of a “quick fix”19:45 - Kevin’s personal experience with pain and how he uses it with patients28:44 - Kevin’s book, “Pain: The Ultimate Mentor”The full transcript and all links mentioned can be found on the episode page on invisiblenotbroken.com
Author of “Through the Pain: The Silent Suffering & Triumph of a Personal Trainer”: John K. Frazier
28:35|Monica Michelle is joined by author & personal trainer John K. Frazier.John lives with ankylosing spondylitis.In this episode, Monica and John discuss: John’s work as a physical trainer and authorChronic pain comparisonsPersonal triumphTIMESTAMPS00:50 - John’s business & diagnosis07:19 - Chronic pain olympics09:31 - Talking about & hiding a diagnosis15:09 - Personal triumph18:24 - Staying in the present23:29 - The superman complexThe full transcript and all links mentioned can be found on the episode page on invisiblenotbroken.com
The Creative Process, Self Worth, and Dating with Disability: Laura Mustard
31:08|Monica Michelle is joined by musician Laura Mustard.Laura lives with VATER syndrome.In this episode, Monica and Laura discuss: Laura’s inspiration for her upcoming musical EP.How Laura’s illness impacted her recent relationship & self-image.Laura’s creative process, new music, and social media pressure.TIMESTAMPS00:30 - Laura’s new EP / Monica’s recent COVID experience05:32 - Relationships with chronic illness11:20 - Image and self acceptance with disability15:32 - Laura’s creative process and current projects20:05 - Pursuing creativity despite social media attentionThe full transcript and all links mentioned can be found on the episode page on invisiblenotbroken.com
Author of “The Girlfriend’s Guide to Lupus”: Amanda Chay
30:43|Monica Michelle is joined by author Amanda Chay.Amanda lives with Sjögren’s and Lupus.In this episode, Monica and Amanda discuss: Amanda’s book & diagnosisOutlooking on work & writingNavigating chronic illness with kids & familyTIMESTAMPS00:26 - Intro + The Girlfriend’s Guide to Lupus02:17 - Amanda’s diagnosis10:09 - Amanda’s outlook on writing17:11 - Navigating chronic illness with kids & family23:29 - Labels and roles26:24 - Flare reads & closing remarksThe full transcript and all links mentioned can be found on the episode page on invisiblenotbroken.com