Living with a thyroid condition such as hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s, can be really challenging. The amount to which people with these conditions are affected can differ hugely, and whereas some may feel that they’re able to go about their day to day lives mostly unaffected by the disease, for others this isn’t the case.
Thyroid conditions can be frustrating and lonely to live with, therefore many patients find that they require support. Support can come in various forms, from needing someone to vent to, discussing ideas/interventions or changes for what may help and even sharing personal experiences to gain insight. They can all support the wellbeing of a thyroid patient.
Although support can be found in those around us, I hear from many thyroid patients who feel that friends, family, work colleagues and even their doctor just don’t understand what it is they go through. This is where talking to people going through the same condition, diagnosis, treatment and struggles can help.
Even though it is estimated that 750 million people in the world have some form of thyroid disease, including 1 in 20 people in the UK and more than 12% of the U.S. population, many thyroid patients say they don’t know anyone else in their lives with the condition. In my experience, they likely do but people don’t think to speak about it and so they’re not aware.
However, connecting with a support group is another option to finding others who understand.
Continue reading “Why an Online Thyroid Support Group Could Help You” →
