How does RA Affect Identity? Reflections on Gender, Sexual Orientation, Mental Health and More with Psychotherapist Timothy Weymann

<p>In this episode, host Cheryl Crow and psychotherapist Timothy Weymann delve deep into the existential, philosophical questions that chronic illness poses. Is there hope without healing? Is it possible to “make peace with loss and change?”  How on earth can you “access a sense of peace in the midst of ambiguity,” particularly when that ambiguity has to do with your own health and wellbeing?  </p><p>Timothy reflects on gender, sexual orientation, disability, acceptance and more, sharing how he used “minority survival skills” he learned as a gay man to help him navigate his newfound identity as a person with rheumatoid arthritis. He and Cheryl also discuss how gratitude, forgiveness, self-acceptance, compassion, and social connection help them and others face health difficulties with meaning and purpose.</p><h2>Episode at a glance:</h2><ul><li><strong>Diagnosis story: </strong>Timothy advocated for himself as his symptoms worsened despite experiencing medical gaslighting. Eventually he was tested for and diagnosed with Mixed Connective Tissue Disorder and Rheumatoid Arthritis - which came with feeling crushed and wondering: <i>“Is this going to be my new life?”. </i></li><li><strong>Impact of gender and chronic illness</strong>: Men are a minority in the rheumatoid arthritis community, and Timothy shared how his gender has affected his experiences of healthcare and belonging in the chronic illness community. He reflects on how our culture has often given the message that men should tough things out and not ask for help, which can be challenging for mental health.</li><li><strong>Sexual identity: </strong>Timothy shares lessons he learned while navigating being a minority as a gay man. Gaining protective skills through this experience helped prepare him for the considerations of sharing disability-related information.</li><li><strong>Mental health:</strong> Early on in Timothy’s diagnosis he felt like he was in a “crisis phase”, which led to self-blame, shame, and an urge to keep it hidden. Cheryl shares that many