Paint With Me: Finding a Coping Skill for IBD
Hi! My name is Nathalie, one of the CCYAN fellows of 2021!
TW: mental health
Today I talk about how I found what coping skill worked best for me to manage my IBD and my mental health. If you want to find out more information about me or CCYAN, be sure to check out https://www.ccyanetwork.org and @ccyanetwork on social media.
If you or a loved one with IBD is struggling with mental health and needs immediate help, please cal 911, text START to 747-741 or call 1-800-273 TALK (8255).
Remember, you are not alone.
This video is sponsored by Lyfebulb.
Lyfebulb is a patient empowerment platform, which centers around improving the lives of those impacted by chronic disease.
Paint With Me: Managing IBD and Depression
TW: depression
Hi! My name is Nathalie, one of the CCYAN fellows of 2021! Today I talk about my experiences dealing with IBD and depression.
“I think sometimes when you’re dealing with depression, it never feels like anyone can understand you. It’s kind of like you’re screaming at the world for just anyone to listen to you, and somehow, no one can hear you. And no one can see you, because of your disability and the fact that it’s invisible. But I’m here to remind you that I can hear you, and so can other people in our community.”
If you or a loved one with IBD is struggling with mental health and needs immediate help, please call 911, text START to 747-741 or call 1-800-273 TALK (8255). Remember, you are not alone.
This video is sponsored by Lyfebulb.
Lyfebulb is a patient empowerment platform, which centers around improving the lives of those impacted by chronic disease.
My IBD Story
Get ready with CCYAN fellow Nathalie Garcia as she shares her IBD diagnosis story and how Crohn’s disease affected her at such an early age.
Growing up, Nathalie’s brother almost lost his life due to ulcerative colitis following a misdiagnosis from lack of medical testing. A few years later, Nathalie began experiencing signs of IBD herself when she was just 15 years old. Because of her family history, Nathalie was tested early for IBD only for the results to come out as inconclusive. At 16, however, she collapsed during her high school cross-country race and was finally diagnosed with Crohn’s disease.
Nathalie dives into her diagnosis journey in her latest video and shares the ups, the downs, and all the relatable moments in between.
This video is sponsored by Lyfebulb.
Lyfebulb is a patient empowerment platform, which centers around improving the lives of those impacted by chronic disease.
Come to My Infusion Appointment with Me!
Follow along as I take you through my Remicade appointment during a pandemic. I talk through the IV process, emotional effects of Remicade and my experience with it.
IBD Symptoms Outside the Gut
“For years before I was diagnosed with IBD, I experienced the symptoms described in this video. It would have been helpful to know at a young age that these were all related to one, bigger issue!”
Accommodations in School and in the Workplace
One of the most intimidating topics after getting diagnosed with IBD is the concept of accommodations. That is why Samantha created this video to try to help answer some of the questions that may come up when starting to look for accommodations - both in school and the workplace!
IBD Week in the Life During Covid-19 | Vlog
Catch a glimpse into the life of an IBD patient during a pandemic as Lucy navigates a week of lab work, prescriptions, virtual doctor appointments, and insurance quandaries.
5 Ways to Support Those With IBD
Whether its your friend, family member, peer or co-worker - here are 5 ways you can show support to those living with IBD.
Why I Stopped Focusing on A CURE
Why I stopped using cure-centered language and how it helped me cope with my chronic illness.
How I Got Involved in the IBD Community
When I was first diagnosed when I was 15, I didn't know anyone else with IBD. Now I have friends all over the world who have IBD that I can rely on for support! Check out how I went from an embarrassed teenager to a loud and proud advocate in the community I've grown to love.
Chronic Illness in the LGBTQ Community
Photo by Sharon McCutcheon from Pexels
Happy Pride Month!
Here are some awesome resources for individuals in disability and queer communities!
Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation Support Group for Lesbian and Bisexual Women Facebook group
Find groups in your area on Meetup (search keywords like LGBTQ, disability, etc.)
YouTube channel all about disability and being queer: Jessica Kellgren-Fozard
YouTube video all about disability and sex that includes a woman with an ostomy and queer relationships
An Interview with an IBD Caregiver
In this special interview with Rachel’s mom, they talk about what it's like to be a caregiver of someone with IBD and share a part of their story.
My Experience with Chronic Illness Advocacy
Follow along with Lucy as she advocates for Step Therapy reform at her state capitol.
IBD Must Haves
Samantha takes you through her go-to useful products for taming symptoms and adding comfort in her day with her various IBD symptoms.
Samantha takes you through her go-to useful products for taming symptoms and adding comfort in her day with her various IBD symptoms.
Photo by Porapak Apichodilok from Pexels
Day in the Life: Colonoscopy Time
Come with Lucy as she takes us through her prep for a colonoscopy.
Self Image & Goals in 2020
Setting New Year's resolutions and goals can look a little different when you have a chronic illness. Here is 2020 Fellow, Lucy, and her outlook going into 2020!
Cooking with Crohn's: Gluten Free Strawberry Shortcake
With the summer heat, comes the summer treats! Watch this video of 2019 CCYAN Fellow, Leah, makes a delicious gluten free strawberry shortcake following the two recipes down below. It's important to stick to your own dietary needs to feel free to accommodate the recipe to your liking!
Recipe for Shortcake
1 1/2 cups gluten free all purpose flour
2 3/4 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons sugar
3/4 cup heavy or whipping cream
1 large egg
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 450°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
Mix the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar together in a large bowl.
In a separate bowl, beat together the cream and egg. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix to form a cohesive dough.
Scoop the dough in 1 1/2-ounce balls onto the baking sheet; use the palm of your hand to gently flatten each to about 2" to 2 1/2" diameter.
Brush the tops of the shortcakes with cream, and sprinkle with coarse white sparkling sugar.
Bake the shortcakes for 10 to 12 minutes, until they're risen and baked all the way through; break one open to make sure.
Remove the shortcakes from the oven, split, and top with berries and whipped cream. Store, well-wrapped, at room temperature for several days; freeze for longer storage.
https://www.kingarthurflour.com/recipes/easy-gluten-free-shortcakes-recipe
Recipe for Whipped Topping
1 cup (8 fluid ounces) heavy whipping cream, chilled
1/2 cup (58 g) confectioners’ sugar
8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
Transfer 2 tablespoons of the cream to a small bowl and set it aside. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment or a large bowl with a handheld mixer.
Place the remaining cream and beat on medium-high speed until soft peaks form.
Add the confectioners’ sugar, and continue to beat until stiff, glossy peaks form.
Transfer the whipped cream to a separate, large bowl and place in the refrigerator to chill.
In the same bowl, place the cream cheese, vanilla, salt and reserved 2 tablespoons cream.
With the whisk attachment, whip the cream cheese mixture on medium-high speed until light and fluffy.
Remove the whipped cream from the refrigerator and add half of the whipped cream mixture to the cream cheese mixture, and whisk to combine.
Add the remaining whipped cream, and fold it into the filling carefully until combined.
https://glutenfreeonashoestring.com/gluten-free-fruit-pizza/
How to Stay Productive this Summer
With IBD's ties with anxiety, depression, and fatigue it can be hard to stay motivated. Usually when faced with commitments, I can force myself to make it through them despite being tired or having trouble focusing. However, doing stuff for myself usually takes the back burner. I become easily overwhelmed with my tasks to do for school and work, neglecting my personal needs for self-care, relaxation, mindfulness and self-compassion. So in this post, I have brainstormed and gathered tips to stay motivated, not only for the tasks you need to do but also those you should do for yourself.