The Exhaustion of Being Chronically Ill

You’re tired of the medical system, doctors, and endless speeches about your diagnosis. Doctors either treat you like you’re fragile, “making it up,” or like you should “be strong” by ignoring your medical needs. You just want to be heard and to hear some truth from someone without kid gloves, disbelief, or a side dish of pity.

You might have had your diagnosis/diagnoses for a long time, be new to your diagnosis/diagnoses, or still be figuring out what’s happening with and to your body. Sometimes being chronically ill feels like a terrible roller coaster, with every loop bringing its own fresh wave of grief. When you imagine the future, it’s hard to picture being chronically ill for the rest of your life, let alone balancing your chronic illness with your aspirations. Taking care of your body sometimes feels in direct conflict with devoting time and energy to your career goals, friendship, and relationship(s). 

Some people in your life try to support you, but they don’t really get what it’s like to be chronically ill. You might feel like this support is a finite resource that you don’t want to “use up” all at once, lest it run out. With limited support, you’re left feeling alone.

Ready for Change? I Can Help

I’m Dr. Marussia Role (they/them), a psychologist and chronically ill person who specializes in working with fellow chronically ill folks. I help folks who are chronically ill feel truly heard, learn to advocate for themselves, and balance their chronic illness journeys with the rest of their lives. I like to mix in gentleness, celebration, and the occasional “dad joke” to our work. Together, we can challenge unhelpful beliefs about yourself and your worth, practice asking for what you need, co-create skills that adapt to your illness and ability status, and make your life feel a little easier to navigate.

Contact me for a free therapy consultation

If you want to invite me onto your chronic illness journey, I’d be thrilled to hear from you. I offer a free, 15 minute consultation to discuss what you hope to gain from therapy and to tell you more about what I can offer you. You can reach out to me through the Contact form so we can get started. I look forward to helping you find some gentler times ahead.