Living with an autoimmune disease can be challenging, both physically and emotionally. From the moment you receive your diagnosis, you may experience a whirlwind of emotions – fear, confusion, anger, sadness, and even relief. It’s a lot to process (we know), and it’s important to remember that you’re not alone in this journey.

One way to navigate through the ups and downs of your autoimmune journey is by acknowledging and embracing your emotions. Each emotion you feel is valid and deserves to be acknowledged. It’s okay to feel scared about the unknown, frustrated with the limitations your condition may impose, or even hopeful for better days ahead.

To help you express and understand your emotions, let’s splash into the vibrant world of colors, where each hue dances to its own emotional tune. Colors aren’t just shades on a palette; they’re like emotion wizards, waving their wands to express what words sometimes can’t. Ready to explore which color resonates with your current state of emotion in this autoimmune adventure?

Fiery Frustration: The Red Hue of Anger 🔴 

It’s completely natural to feel a sense of frustration or anger when dealing with an autoimmune condition. Your body seems to be rebelling against you, and that can be tough to accept. 

The fiery color red represents this intense emotion, reminding you that it’s okay to acknowledge and express your anger. Remember, it’s a normal reaction to the challenges you’re facing. And while anger comes up naturally for everyone, it’s important to manage this powerful emotion properly. Here are some healthy ways you can explore to express this emotion.

Acknowledge and validate your anger. It’s okay to feel frustrated and angry about your condition.

• Find healthy outlets for your anger, such as engaging in physical activity or expressing yourself through creative outlets like writing or art.
• Practice deep breathing and relaxation techniques to help calm your mind and body during moments of anger.

Mellow Overwhelm: The Violet Veil of Anxiety 🟣

The uncertainty of what lies ahead can be overwhelming when living with an autoimmune condition. Anxiety often becomes a constant companion on this journey. The calming and introspective color violet represents this emotion, reminding you to take a moment to breathe and find ways to manage your anxiety. 

• Take time for self-care and prioritize activities that help you relax and reduce anxiety, such as meditation, yoga, or taking a soothing bath.
• Educate yourself about your condition to gain a better understanding and alleviate some of the uncertainty from the stigma and misconceptions about autoimmune diseases that fuels anxiety.
• Reach out to a support network, whether it’s friends, family, or a support group, to share your concerns and fears.

Remember, you’re not alone, and there are incredible resources out there, like BrightlyThrive, The Autoimmunity Community™. We’re all about connecting integrative medicine with shared knowledge and expert support. 

We’re here to help you gain clarity on the specific steps you need to take to listen to your body and start your healing process. So, don’t hesitate to reach out and tap into the support and guidance our community offers! 

Pensive Puzzlement: The Indigo Intricacies of Uncertainty 🎨

Doubts and questions may cloud your mind as you navigate this new reality. It’s okay to feel lost and unsure about what the future holds. The deep and mysterious color indigo represents this emotion, reminding you that it’s okay to take your time and seek answers.

Remember, it’s a journey of self-discovery and growth, and you have the power to find your way.

• Seek out reliable sources of information and consult with healthcare professionals to address your doubts and questions.
• Journaling can be a helpful tool for reflecting on your experiences and gaining clarity about your path forward.

Verdant Optimism: The Green Glow of Hope 🟢

Amidst the challenges of living with an autoimmune condition, there’s always a glimmer of hope. Whether it’s for better days, effective treatments, a nourishing diet or supportive communities, hope keeps us going. The vibrant and rejuvenating color green represents this emotion, reminding you to hold onto that hope and stay positive.

Remember, you’re stronger than you think, and there are possibilities for a brighter future.

• Surround yourself with positive and supportive people who uplift and inspire you.
• Engage in activities that bring you joy and cultivate a sense of hope, such as practicing gratitude or setting achievable goals.
• Connect with online communities or support groups where you can find encouragement and share experiences with others facing similar challenges.

Sunny Resilience: The Yellow Radiance of Positivity 🟡

Finding positivity may seem hard when dealing with the complexities of autoimmunity, but it’s there, even in the smallest victories and the strength you didn’t know you had. The bright and cheerful color yellow represents this emotion, reminding you to focus on the positive aspects of your journey. Remember, a positive mindset can make a world of difference in how you navigate through challenges.

• Practice self-affirmation and focus on your strengths and accomplishments.
• Incorporate positive affirmations or mantras into your daily routine to shift your mindset towards optimism.
• Engage in activities that bring you happiness and cultivate a positive outlook, such as spending time in nature or pursuing hobbies you enjoy.

Bold Bravery: The Orange Aura of Pride 🟠

Be proud of yourself. Every day you face the challenges of living with an autoimmune condition is a testament to your resilience and courage. The warm and energetic color orange represents this emotion, reminding you to celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small they may seem.

Remember, you’re doing an incredible job, and your strength inspires others more than you acknowledge or ever know.

• Share your story with others, whether it’s through writing, speaking, or joining advocacy groups, to inspire and empower those who are in the same path as you.

Tranquil Reflection: The Blue Serenity of Sadness 🔵

It’s okay to grieve for the life you thought you’d have before your autoimmune diagnosis. Sadness is a natural part of processing and moving forward. Embrace the tranquil and soothing vibes of blue – a color that whispers to your soul, encouraging you to grant yourself the permission to feel and embark on the journey of healing.

Remember to always be gentle with yourself (first!) and seek support when needed.

• Seek support from loved ones, therapists, or support groups who can provide a safe space for you to express your sadness.
• Engage in activities that promote emotional well-being, such as practicing mindfulness, engaging in creative outlets, or seeking professional help if needed.

Dive Further into Emotional Well-being with these Resources

Ready to tap further into your emotional well-being and learn how to apply it in your autoimmune healing journey? Here’s some excellent insight from Susan David, an award-winning Harvard Medical School psychologist and one of the world’s most influential management thinkers in her 2018 TED Talk:

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDQ1Mi5I4rg]

Susan David’s groundbreaking book, Emotional Agility, offers some life-changing perspectives on how we can approach our emotions, which we can highly relate to when faced with an impactful life-altering diagnosis of autoimmunity, as summarized below:

Emotional Agility is all about embracing and navigating our emotions rather than ignoring or suppressing them. It encourages us to face our emotions with acceptance, understanding, and a willingness to move forward. This concept is incredibly relevant to the autoimmune community, as we often experience a wide range of emotions throughout our journey.

By practicing emotional agility, we can develop the flexibility and adaptability to respond to our emotions in a healthy and constructive way. This can lead to increased resilience, improved relationships, greater success in work and life, and ultimately, a more fulfilling existence overall.

The book is divided into four parts, each focusing on a different aspect of emotional agility: awareness, flexibility, acceptance, and values. Susan David draws on her extensive research in psychology and neuroscience, as well as her own personal experiences, to provide practical tools and exercises for developing emotional agility.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Smjq2VRmME]

 

Chasing Rainbows in the Storm: Navigating Emotions with Grace 🌈

By embracing the full spectrum of emotions, you’re acknowledging the complexity of your autoimmune journey and giving yourself permission to feel and heal. Remember, you’re not alone in this vibrant healing adventure. Together, as The Autoimmunity Community™, we’ll navigate the storm of autoimmune disease, find strength in our emotions, and discover ways to thrive.

Resources:

Coping with a diagnosis of chronic illness. (2013, August 1). https://www.apa.org. https://www.apa.org/topics/chronic-illness/coping-diagnosis

MSEd, K. C. (2022, November 29). Color Psychology: Does It Affect How You Feel? Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/color-psychology-2795824

Serraino, C. (2023, April 11). Managing Mental Health with an Autoimmune Disease. Global Autoimmune Institute. https://www.autoimmuneinstitute.org/articles/living-well/managing-mental-health/

I’m So Stressed Out! Fact Sheet. (n.d.). National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/so-stressed-out-fact-sheet