Welcome
Introduction
Hello Thyroid Family,
How is your mental health at the moment?
Many of us are experiencing extra anxiety with the current pandemic situation. I was personally diagnosed with postnatal depression the other week, as the world has been such a weird place to have a newborn baby in the last few months. I'm facing a lot of the usual struggles of a new parent, coupled with being a parent who has a chronic illness and at times struggles to keep up. But with the current pandemic situation on top of these, there has also been a profound lack of support available. This has all been quite tough.
I haven't forgotten about the audiobook for You, Me and Hypothyroidism - don't worry. It was due to be released early 2020, but I am still yet to find the time to sign it off and get it released. I'm sure once my mental health is back on track I'll be able to finish that project.
It was also Mother's Day in many countries around the world last week and you can read my open letter to all the hypothyroid mothers here.
Thyroid love x
News
The link between Hashimoto’s and being a Highly Sensitive Person and Empath
As a thyroid patient who also identifies as a HSP (highly sensitive person), I found this blog to be really insightful and refreshing.
"Autoimmune diseases are related to each other, some more than others..."
Researchers using the world's largest twin registry to study seven autoimmune diseases found the risk of developing the seven diseases is largely inherited, but that some diseases are more closely related than others.
An Open Letter to Mothers with Hypothyroidism on Mother’s Day
"To the mother with hypothyroidism this Mother’s Day,
I know you feel tired, achy, at times frustrated and strained. You push yourself each and every day to keep on going, keep on raising your family with love and kindness despite your own body fighting against you.
You may even feel a sense of guilt for having hypothyroidism, as you question whether you’d be a more active, more fun and just a better parent without it. But on this Mother’s Day, let the guilt melt away as I tell you that you are enough. You are doing enough."
Latest Blogs
Thyroid Patients Explain How It Has Affected Their Work Life
My work has been one of the most affected areas of my life since having thyroid issues. Brain fog has made it hard to work efficiently, heavy fatigue has led to me falling asleep at my desk and poor mental health caused by my thyroid condition meant that panic attacks would interrupt work tasks.
So, I asked followers of my Instagram page how thyroid disease may have affected their work and the response was overwhelming. I knew that others must struggle with this aspect of their life too, but didn’t realise just how many of us are truly devastated in this way.
Thyroid Flare Ups While Pregnant
Before experiencing pregnancy, one of my expectations as a thyroid patient was that it would be full of thyroid flare up days.
One from the Archives
Alcohol and Your Thyroid
A question I’ve seen asked more times than I can remember, is ‘Does anyone else feel like they can’t handle their drink as well as they used to?’
Featured Item
Thyroid Books
I posted a photo of my 'thyroid bookshelf' on Instagram last week and received many surprised comments about just how many books on managing your thyroid condition are out there.
A few comments asked which of the books are my go-to's. I would say:
🦋What You Must Know About Hashimoto’s Disease
🦋Your Thyroid and How To Keep it Healthy
🦋Diagnosis and Management of Hypothyroidism
And then of course, I wrote the below two books for those who want a simple introduction and non-overwhelming read:
Also remember that you can find my book reviews here and online bookstore here.
And Finally...
Stay in Touch!
As always, you can find more information and support in:
- My articles and blogs on TheInvisibleHypothyroidism.com
- My book: Be Your Own Thyroid Advocate
- My book: You, Me and Hypothyroidism
- The Thyroid Family Facebook Support Group
- Online thyroid courses
You can also keep in touch via my Facebook page, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest to ensure you never miss anything. I am currently on maternity leave until 2021, but will be around online from time to time, so keep in touch!
That’s all for this issue but look out for the next one in two weeks’ time. If there’s anything you think I should specifically mention, please let me know.
Please Note: None of the statements in this publication should be taken as an official endorsement of any particular product, including sponsored content. I strongly suggest consulting your doctor before making any changes to your lifestyle or health regimen. The information included in this publication is not meant to substitute the clinical guidance provided by a healthcare professional. I, Rachel, am not medically qualified and do not offer medical advice. Read the full disclaimer here.
This newsletter may also use affiliate links where I earn a small commission if you purchase through it. This does not change the way I work or the products I link to, and it doesn’t change your user experience.