ep.8: chronic illness & mental health: 5 small changes that make a big difference

ep.8: chronic illness & mental health: 5 small changes that make a big difference

if you're looking for five simple, memorable ways to support your mental health while living with chronic illness, you're in the right place. in today's episode, I'm sharing the often overlooked aspects of your mental health that you can influence— even when chronic illness makes it feel like so much of your agency has been taken away. drawing from my own experience living with POTS and hEDS, a psychology degree, and my genuine passion for talking into a microphone for 35 minutes, i’ll walk you through practical mindset shifts and habits that have helped me navigate the mental side of chronic illness. my hope is that you'll leave this episode feeling seen, understood, and encouraged to take the small but meaningful steps toward better mental health that you deserve.💗 topics (with timestamps):  00:00 intro & why i care about mental health 05:52 what therapy has taught me about my emotions 12:59 finding the right support system for you 18:29 trusting your instincts with your chronically illness  24:33 rumination, hypervigilance, & chronic illness 28:49 setting goals & finding your purpose again mentioned resources: ⚡️last week’s episode [https://open.spotify.com/episode/0dAybXHD9clb48zRojEU4Q?si=MYjBS8MzRRamYXwJaYeeBQ] connect with me: 🪫⁠tiktok⁠ [https://www.tiktok.com/@lowbatteryclubpod]  🪫⁠instagram⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/lowbatteryclubpod]  🪫⁠youtube⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@lowbatteryclubpod] 🪫email me [lowbatteryclubpod@gmail.com]! 🪫⁠anonymous form (share your story!)⁠ [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdJy4dhn8kIHVA5I1K9Le-VEU_VAym5-b_0nwnJROPKSB9NXg/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=112541262586513689573]  🪫⁠guest application (be on the pod!)⁠ [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdwaGsf1y_6A0pyvO9juks262n7nqAzZJXPLlU2S9Q3XkOokg/viewform?usp=publish-editor] a little note: if you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review— it helps more people find the show! disclaimer: the information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. the host is not a licensed medical professional. always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, supplements, medications, or health routines.

ep.7: why chronic illness can make your mental health worse

if you’re navigating chronic illness, you probably know firsthand how deeply your mental health can be affected by your physical health. struggling with both isn’t easy—and you’re definitely not alone. but in order to support and improve our mental health, we first need to understand why it may be suffering in the first place. what’s happening biologically, psychologically, and even socially that can make chronic illness feel so mentally overwhelming? in this episode, i’m combining my own experience with chronic illness with my degree in psychology to break down the many factors that can contribute to worsening mental health. from nervous system stress to grief, isolation, and identity shifts, there’s often a lot influencing how you feel that you may not even realize. awareness is the first step toward healing—and understanding what you’re carrying can help you move through it with more compassion for yourself. topics (with timestamps):  00:00 life updates & your anonymous question!! 03:59 chronic illness, mental health, & self-validation 08:04 a psychology model for understanding mental health 11:12 how chronic illness affects our biology 15:36 the psychology behind chronic illness 23:31 relationship dynamics & chronic illness  29:19 sociocultural impacts on chronic illness  34:12 final thoughts & a preview of next week’s ep!! mentioned resources: ⚡️silly lily foundation [https://sillylilyfoundation.org/] ⚡️multipath model [https://image1.slideserve.com/1756234/a-multipath-model-of-mental-disorders-cont-d-l.jpg] ⚡️stress + the nervous system [https://spondylitis.org/spondylitis-plus/the-link-between-stress-and-chronic-illness-tools-for-stress-management/] ⚡️psychological strain of chronic illness [https://www.news-medical.net/health/The-Psychological-Strain-of-Chronic-Physical-Illness.aspx] ⚡️health disparities in the u.s. [https://healersandpatients.web.unc.edu/2021/05/health-disparities-at-the-intersection-of-gender-and-race/]  ⚡️chronic illness + financial burden [https://sph.umich.edu/news/2025posts/chronic-disease-burden-and-future-perceptions-of-financial-control.html] ⚡️ep.2: coping with chronic illness in your 20s [https://open.spotify.com/episode/7zVMKZsMwnLo7K38cfYZza?si=0QYs8OKMQdKlY1rEuslMRg] ⚡️ep.3: no one warns you how lonely chronic pain is [https://open.spotify.com/episode/0EDvtQYVDkEeznzyzbPWOw?si=79KCtsemQMGDUqNtJagnug] ⚡️ep.4: the invisible mental load behind chronic illness [https://open.spotify.com/episode/0BgF0idowcNuqlpNuZxn3W?si=RpoJZJZHR32VdJeOFllnng] connect with me: 🪫⁠tiktok⁠ [https://www.tiktok.com/@lowbatteryclubpod]  🪫⁠instagram⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/lowbatteryclubpod]  🪫⁠youtube⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@lowbatteryclubpod] 🪫email me [lowbatteryclubpod@gmail.com] 🪫⁠anonymous form (share your story!)⁠ [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdJy4dhn8kIHVA5I1K9Le-VEU_VAym5-b_0nwnJROPKSB9NXg/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=112541262586513689573]  🪫⁠guest application (be on the pod!)⁠ [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdwaGsf1y_6A0pyvO9juks262n7nqAzZJXPLlU2S9Q3XkOokg/viewform?usp=publish-editor] a little note: if you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review— it helps more people find the show! disclaimer: the information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. the host is not a licensed medical professional. always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, supplements, medications, or health routines.

ep.6: my POTS journey — symptoms, seizures, & finding answers

today is the day: i’m finally sharing my full journey with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). in this episode, i break down everything—from what i believe triggered it, to the strange early symptom that stumped every doctor, to the long road to getting diagnosed. i also open up about the emotional side of living with a chronic condition like this. whether you think you might have POTS, have already been diagnosed, or care about someone who has it, i hope this episode helps you feel more informed—and less alone. living with POTS can feel incredibly niche and isolating. my goal with this episode is to make that experience a little more understood🤍 topics (with timestamps):  00:56 a huge misconception about POTS 07:51 what triggered my POTS  12:13 non-epileptic seizures  18:20 my POTS symptoms   20:31 getting misdiagnosed  23:33 POTS testing + diagnosis  26:47 the emotional side of dr’s appointments 28:42 what it felt like getting diagnosed  32:10 my current medical mystery  connect with me: 🪫⁠tiktok⁠ [https://www.tiktok.com/@lowbatteryclubpod]  🪫⁠instagram⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/lowbatteryclubpod]  🪫⁠youtube⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@lowbatteryclubpod] 🪫email me [lowbatteryclubpod@gmail.com]! 🪫⁠anonymous form (share your story!)⁠ [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdJy4dhn8kIHVA5I1K9Le-VEU_VAym5-b_0nwnJROPKSB9NXg/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=112541262586513689573]  🪫⁠guest application (be on the pod!)⁠ [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdwaGsf1y_6A0pyvO9juks262n7nqAzZJXPLlU2S9Q3XkOokg/viewform?usp=publish-editor] a little note: if you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review— it helps more people find the show! disclaimer: the information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. the host is not a licensed medical professional. always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, supplements, medications, or health routines.

ep.5: how to know when your body needs a rest day

when your chronic illness shows up with symptoms every day, it can feel almost impossible to know when to push yourself—and when to rest. that’s exactly what we’re unpacking in this week’s episode. we’re diving into the personal and societal pressures that keep us from truly recharging— even when our bodies are asking for a break. then, we’ll look at the science behind why rest is essential for managing chronic conditions (spoiler: it’s not optional). finally, i’ll share my favorite ways to tell when your body needs a rest day. if you find yourself overexerting and ignoring your symptoms (same), this episode is your guide to breaking that cycle. managing chronic illness can feel like a constant balancing act— and this episode is here to help you find your footing. topics (with timestamps):  00:21 how i ended up in the ER this week 02:52 your responses on rest days & rare disease awareness 05:47 what society gets wrong about chronic illnesses 10:06 internal pressures around taking a rest day  13:57 external & societal pressures around taking a rest day 16:52 the science behind why our bodies need rest   21:00 how to tell if you need more rest for your chronic condition 31:42 my final thoughts & more! mentioned resources: ⚡️cowden syndrome [https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/genetics/family-cancer-syndromes/cowden-syndrome.html] ⚡️importance of sleep with a chronic illness [https://www.gaucherdisease.org/blog/the-importance-of-sleep/] ⚡️chronic pain & sleep article  [https://www.ncoa.org/article/managing-chronic-pain-and-sleep/] ⚡️chronic illness & rest article  [https://themighty.com/topic/chronic-illness/value-rest-life-chronic-illness-disability/] ⚡️deep rest article [https://psychiatry.ucsf.edu/news/new-study-explores-transformative-power-deep-rest] ⚡️the science of rest article [https://americanriverhealthcare.com/the-science-of-rest-why-resting-is-so-important-for-recovery/] ⚡️rest as a form of recharging research [https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09638288.2025.2512587#d1e234] ⚡️activity pacing research [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36345726/]  ⚡️long covid & inflammation research [https://doi.org/10.1038/s41590-025-02353-x] ⚡️pots & inflammation research [https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1155/2023/3992718] ⚡️anti-inflammatory benefits of sleep [https://www.cbhs.com.au/mind-and-body/blog/anti-inflammatory-benefits-of-sleep] connect with me: 🪫⁠tiktok⁠ [https://www.tiktok.com/@lowbatteryclubpod]  🪫⁠instagram⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/lowbatteryclubpod]  🪫⁠youtube⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@lowbatteryclubpod] 🪫email me [lowbatteryclubpod@gmail.com]! 🪫⁠anonymous form (share your story!)⁠ [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdJy4dhn8kIHVA5I1K9Le-VEU_VAym5-b_0nwnJROPKSB9NXg/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=112541262586513689573]  🪫⁠guest application (be on the pod!)⁠ [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdwaGsf1y_6A0pyvO9juks262n7nqAzZJXPLlU2S9Q3XkOokg/viewform?usp=publish-editor] a little note: if you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review— it helps more people find the show! disclaimer: the information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. the host is not a licensed medical professional. always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, supplements, medications, or health routines.

ep.4: the invisible mental load behind chronic illness

we talk about the physical symptoms of chronic illness– but what about the mental ones? so many of us are dealing with invisible illnesses, and the emotional & mental effects of our conditions can go equally unnoticed.  in my fourth ever podcast episode (yay!), i’m talking all about the mental load of chronic illness. managing chronic illness can be a balancing act: you’re always having to balance your self-care against your social life, your hobbies against your symptom flares, and your actual passions & interests against the chronic condition that’s taking up mental space 24/7.  so how do we balance it all without burning out?! that’s exactly the question i’m trying to answer in this episode– along with reading a bunch of your super insightful chronic illness comments!  there’s no doubt that there is a significant mental burden that comes with being chronically ill. my hope is that this episode validates you in your feelings & reminds you that you’re not alone💗 topics (with timestamps):  00:00 intro 01:13 the biggest shift in my chronic illness journey 06:49 balancing relationships with chronic illness 11:58 mental isolation & chronic illness 14:18 secret stressors behind low symptom days 17:06 how chronic illness can affect identity & personality 20:50 most common emotions triggered by chronic illness  25:36 creative ways to cope when your illness has you down mentioned resources: ⚡️mental drain tiktok [https://www.tiktok.com/@lowbatteryclubpod/photo/7628651004556299542] connect with me: 🪫⁠tiktok⁠ [https://www.tiktok.com/@lowbatteryclubpod]  🪫⁠instagram⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/lowbatteryclubpod]  🪫⁠youtube⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@lowbatteryclubpod] 🪫email me [lowbatteryclubpod@gmail.com]! 🪫⁠anonymous form (share your story!)⁠ [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdJy4dhn8kIHVA5I1K9Le-VEU_VAym5-b_0nwnJROPKSB9NXg/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=112541262586513689573]  🪫⁠guest application (be on the pod!)⁠ [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdwaGsf1y_6A0pyvO9juks262n7nqAzZJXPLlU2S9Q3XkOokg/viewform?usp=publish-editor] a little note: if you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review—it helps more people find the show! disclaimer: the information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. the host is not a licensed medical professional. always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, supplements, medications, or health routines.