This is another topic of great significance in IC and other chronic illness. I thought I should bring it up because one of my patients in particular is struggling with this right now very strongly and it brought it up for me.

There are so many aspects of emotional change and growth. When a person is going through this kind of treatment-not just ICAMA-but any alternative kind of treatment for chronic illness, they may find that not only their body is changing, but, their minds and “spirits” are as well.

They often feel a sense of alienation, as we have discussed in previous blogs because of lifestyle and dietary changes, but, there are greater changes that may affect these people as well. One might start to notice that suddenly the people that they have chosen as friends do not seem as healthy for them to be around. Feeling of unwellness may begin to set in after being around old friends they used to enjoy. Different friends may trigger emotions about one’s self that were not triggered before. 

In my personal and professional experience, I have noticed that people may begin to notice strong energetic sensitivities to the energy of others that they had never experienced before. In my estimation, this is a sign of his or her body getting healthier-not more ill. As time passes, and more balance is achieved, then a stronger sense of self may start to set in and boundaries are easier to draw, so that when in the company of those people who are creating discomfort, one may begin to speak his or her own mind in a more deserving manner-as in he or she recognizes the fact that they have the right to feel the way they do and that another is not more important than they are. Ultimately, he or she will be able to tolerate another person’s differences in views and energy-recognize it, but, not succumb to it. His or her differences will not effect them despite the fact that they can sense them.

There are so many interconnected pathways between the body mind and “spirit”. I am using that word and depending on your own beliefs you can fill in another word for yourself-that is the word I choose for my own meaning, it is incredible. The journey towards being the best you, you can be is multi-faceted, and
will effect you in so many ways due to these connections.

Being open to these changes, sensing them, and being an active participant in them is an opportunity for a new and improved life-embrace it and go through it, and if necessary, get more help. But, look at it as it comes so you know what it is. If you feel all of these things, you are probably,-not alone!

Dr.B