Reflecting on Chronic Illness: Insights from the Creative Bridges Conference
This past weekend, I had the honor of presenting at the 2021 Creative Bridges Conference, hosted by Lapidus International. This event gathers the global writing for wellbeing community to share insights, research, and personal stories.
Contents
Presentation Overview: "These Roots That Bind Us"
My talk, “These Roots that Bind Us: Using Writing to Process Grief and Reconstruct the Self in Chronic Illness,” provided an overview of my research into the role of creative writing following a chronic illness diagnosis. Chronic illnesses often disrupt our self-perception and worldview, leading to feelings of alienation and identity fragmentation.
The Transformative Power of Writing
Research has repeatedly shown that expressive writing can yield numerous health benefits—both physical and psychological. My study specifically explores how writing creatively about my experiences with Fibromyalgia helped me navigate the emotional turmoil and identity shifts post-diagnosis.
Fibromyalgia, a chronic condition marked by widespread pain and accompanying symptoms like fatigue and mood fluctuations, often remains invisible to outsiders. Through my writing, I shifted my view of the illness from an adversarial presence to a reminder of the importance of self-care and simplicity.
Accessing the Research and Presentation Materials
- Research Paper: My paper is published in the British Journal of Guidance and Counselling and can be accessed via Taylor & Francis Online.
- Presentation Slides: The slides from my conference presentation are available for download. Please feel free to contact me if you have questions or wish to discuss the topics further.
Learn More
Interested in exploring illness through writing? Contact me to learn more about coaching options.