Hank is one of the people who have inspired me to talk openly about my own chronic illness (a rare vasculitis called Takayasu's arteritis) without feeling ashamed or embarrassed about it. It's so important to know that you're not alone when you have a chronic illness and I just have to say THANK GOD for the Internet for existing. Without this community of fellow "spoonies" (what we call ourselves) I would feel completely isolated and trapped in my own body.

@Maranwe

8 жыл бұрын

Agreed sister! With modern technology we spoonies are super blessed... I can't imagine how isolated I'd be otherwise. Just sitting at home not being able to do shit... Stay strong!

@kerouwhackjack6717

6 жыл бұрын

hi. im chronically ill and i hear alot about the spoony community but cant seem to find anywhere online to meet others. can you recommend some places?

@sofearb9065

6 жыл бұрын

Kerouwhack Jack i don't know how'd you feel about this but ik there's a pretty active spoony community on tumblr?

@thehungrycatherpilla6427

5 жыл бұрын

@@kerouwhackjack6717 hey! facebook has heapssss of support groups, just do a search. Just in case you haven't found any yet :)

If even someone as successful and hard-working as Hank Green couldn't afford health insurance, then we have a serious problem.

The part about his wife and guilt is spot on

@luxsarrazine1141

4 жыл бұрын

I have POTS and it’s almost like we feel guilty for someone helping us when we need help. I’ve felt guilty after going up the stairs at school I’d have to sit down and I’d be late to my next class and my friends would be late aswell because they’d either wait with me or go to my next classroom to inform my teacher I’d be late. Thank god we have understanding teachers that don’t mark us late for my medical issues

A friend said to me " you grieve for the loss of the expectation of normal, and then 'reset' and set a NEW normal." It has helped me cope with the depression which comes from living with chronic pain

@lunacouer

8 жыл бұрын

+lorrane Preach!!

One of my main issues with chronic illness is that doctors don't really know exactly what is wrong with me. So if you can't get a diagnosis, you can't get treatment. So as the illness gets worse, you have to accept some things as your new normal and fight some things, etc. the grieving process is never fully played out and I'm constantly kind of between acceptance and depression.

@runningwild985

8 жыл бұрын

+Sarah Swicegood Hey Sarah! Sadly, the fluctuation between acceptance and depression is something that you'll probably always deal with. I've had degenerative disc disease for almost ten years, but was only recently diagnosed. I deal with pretty severe back pain on a daily basis. Although the pain is never gone, I have quite a few good days. But when I have bad days (or bad weeks), my depression comes back with a vengeance. The best thing I can recommend is to be honest with the people around you about how you're feeling emotionally. Sometimes I call my friend and say, "I'm angry today and I just want to rant about how crappy my illness is" and she listens without comment. Other days I genuinely want advice or support. In order to let other people help you, you have to tell them how to help. Make your friends and family partners in your health. Hopefully this helps. Good luck!

@whateverXmatters

8 жыл бұрын

+Colleen Walton I have degenerative disc disease as well. I was diagnosed the second half of my junior year in high school. I was in marching band at the time, and it was a huge part of my life. I had to give that up which was extremely difficult for me. I used to be a very athletic person who played sports all the time. In my senior year it got to the point where I couldn't go to school anymore and was stuck in a wheelchair. Soon I got a couple treatments and was able to walk and function more, which was such a miracle. Four years later I am still in a lot of pain, I take medications to help the inflammation. It has been getting worse, but I fight through it. When I get to the point where I am in so much pain I can't get out of bed I get so frustrated and angry. I hate feeling helpless and it's hard for me to accept help from others. I also suffer from depression, which tends to make it even more difficult. But I have my good days and I try and fight through it.

@RoseAuflick

7 жыл бұрын

I'm in the same boat. After developing the strange symptoms of my chronic illness about a year ago, I saw several different doctors but still don't have a solid answer as to what exactly I have. All I know is that I'm tired all the time, and my anxiety got significantly worse. So you're not alone in wanting answers. How I ended up dealing with mine was getting financial support from family so I wouldn't have to work for a while, experimenting with my diet (generally trying to eat healthier homecooked meals), seeking counseling, and working with my general doctor to change meds I was taking for my depression. I still do not have a normal body and mind, but I learned to acknowledge small positive changes as a way to accept my unknown illness. For example, I noticed that I felt better than before, even if I didn't feel awesome.

@ephemera...

6 жыл бұрын

Sorry to hear that you are going through this . I am so happy to have a diagnosis. After so many years of not knowing what was wrong and blaming myself. Best wishes ro you. Xx

@SparkingLife111

4 жыл бұрын

@@RoseAuflick did u ever get diagnosis...kinda sounds like could be thyroid issue. I know that test comes back normal even when people have issues

Sometimes it feels like I can never have a meaningful life or a relationship or contribute to society in any valuable way, and on those days the thing that helps me the most is to remember that Hank Green does it. I'm so, so glad that he has been open about his illness. It makes a world of difference to me to know that someone I admire-and someone other people admire-has a condition similar to mine.

@oneeyedturtle9244

8 жыл бұрын

*hug*

@AnnikaVictoria24

8 жыл бұрын

Me too!!

@Chouetterargentee

8 жыл бұрын

Annika Victoria ♥︎

Hank Green just had his first therapy session- and he doesn't even know it!

@anushasingh5216

8 жыл бұрын

Omg so true

@Kazooga-wi5qn

8 жыл бұрын

+K Golight he probably has been in therapy before john green is his brother after all (i wish john could read this comment)

@SjorsHoukes

2 жыл бұрын

@@Kazooga-wi5qn 8:37 he says he hasn’t

My boss is the best boss who has ever bossed.

@JessicaValdez11

8 жыл бұрын

DFTBA!

@tofeditor

8 жыл бұрын

+thelonelydirector not a bad son either :)

Kati I could so tell that you were going into full blown therapist mode when talking to Hank haha! You got that listening face on!

@katgolightly8816

8 жыл бұрын

+raylo123 yes yes yes!! noticed that too!

@75sadiegirl

8 жыл бұрын

+raylo123 I noticed that too! Definitely the therapist Face..haha But I love it!

This is WONDERFUL. I have IBS-D, for 4 years, and it is frustrating, and depressing, and like he said, makes you feel like you have no control. but i loved what he said about accepting the "new normal" and just grieving the old normal. Something I think I still need to do. But man, I felt every single word to a T.

I can so relate to the guilt about appreciating people being kind to you because your illness. And also the always needing proof that people love you. Amazing collaboration, thanks, Hank for opening up, and thanks Katie for listening and asking the right questions!

Oh my goodness, I can so relate to that feeling of thinking that if I do what I do with my illness, I could be doing so much more without it.

What can make it even harder to cope with a chronic illness is when people seem to act like your not trying to get treatment or your just using the chronic illness card to get special treatment. So they start giving you all this unsolicited advice about what you can do to 'fix' your condition. And when you say you've either tried all that or that it wouldn't be effective they act like you're just not trying hard enough, it makes you feel like complete crap. I try not to take what other people think to heart. If growing up dealing with bullies taught me anything it was that, but at the same time no matter how hard you try a little bit of that tends to seep in. And it's worse when you're in a setting like a support group and you have people acting like that. It wasn't a support group for chronic illness, it was a support group for another issue but still when you're in what you consider to be a safe space with people you feel you can trust it really hurts when someone starts treating you like you're just a hypochondriac. Or going to the doctor and being treated like a med seeker. I literally had a doctor tell me that she couldn't give me anymore narcotics when I told her that I was still having issues with pain. I said absolutely NOTHING about wanting more pain medication. I merely said I was having more issues with pain. It wasn't long after that I had to change doctors because it had become very obvious that I couldn't share anything with that doctor. If it wasn't her thinking I had med seeking behavior it was the fact that I couldn't talk to her at all about medical aspects of my gender transition. She knew about it but didn't listen at all if I tried to bring it up. Until a friend of mine told me about a trans friendly doctor that she went to that actually accepted my insurance I was really depressed because it felt as if I'd never have any of my medical needs addressed. So thankfully now I have a doctor who listens and it makes a world of difference. It's just the people who think that they're 'helping' by giving unsolicited advice that can really make you feel frustrated or shameful. And it's stupid to feel the shame but it happens anyway...

my 13 yr old daughter was just diagnosed with Crohn's and is having a rough time. Thank you both for this video, it is much appreciated :)

@skippygaming9695

8 жыл бұрын

+AngeliaChanel I got diagnosed with crohn's when i was around 13 years old i hope you daughter is okay it can be hard at times but it dose get better when it is under control.

@tennyson70

4 жыл бұрын

as someone who's been suffering for like 8 years of the same i genuinely feel how horrible it must be feeling for your daughter, but after a while things definitely will get better trust me (it definitely did for me at least with the crohns, i did get fibromialgia a year later but thats a different issue)

a) Awesome collab b) It's so helpful to hear Hank talk about this, especially in terms of dealing with shame related to bodily issues. c) The topic of chronic illness is a great example of avoiding overly positive psychological self-talk. Much more authentic to accept that some situations in life are less ideal than others and to accept that rather than trying to twist it into telling yourself that everything's awesome.

Yay! I go back and watch videos of Hank talking about his illness a lot, because it helps me think positively about my condition when I struggle with flare ups and fatigue. I think part of that is knowing he is a productive person, while still dealing with this stuff helps me see that that's possible. So thanks Hank!

Thank you both for this video. 7 years of fibromyalgia and as of yet no treatment that works. I don't have control over my life, I would really appreciate being able to have that feeling of control back. I literally don't know day to day what I will be able to do. What Hank said about work and feeling worth, it can be hard not to feel worthless when you cannot hold down a job. Maybe I'll come up with something to do that I can work around flares and doctor's appointments.

@oclay2664

3 жыл бұрын

You’ve gotta look into dr sarno. He saved my life.

Thanks to both of you for doing a video like this! As someone who also deals with some pretty debilitating chronic illnesses (POTS, ME/CFS, endometriosis, etc.) on top of complex PTSD, I would love to see more discussions like this about the ways in which it affects people's lives. Chronic illness can be very isolating, and it's so nice when the public at large gets to become more aware. 💕

@sarahcurtain4311

8 жыл бұрын

+Amy McRae Hey! Just wanted to let you know you're not alone with the multiple chronic illness thing. I have IST, (was originally misdiagnosed as POTS, both such tough conditions!) endometriosis and joint hypermobility syndrome which all contribute to chronic fatigue- so I guess we have some things in common! I think multiple chronic illnesses can encourage such a social stigma - 'you couldn't possibly have all of those, you must be a hypochondriac' etc, but in reality we're just stuck in a complex situation with our health that can be rather difficult for others to understand. Amazing to see conversations like these becoming mainstreamed. Lots of hugs and best health wishes!

@1gaia

6 жыл бұрын

Hey ladies, just want to add my voice to the multi-chronic-illness choir. I have CFS, PCOS, Gut dysbiosis, hypermobility, BED, and Complex PTSD. I also really get the isolation thing. I was in bed for 5 years straight. Lost a lot of friends, even family. It's tough going. I send my love out to you.

You should have John come on! That'd be awesome. OCD representation and the interesting contrasts and similarities between dealing with a chronic physical disability and a chronic mental disability. :) Love the video as usual!

Woop woop, two of my favorite youtubers!

@92RKID

6 жыл бұрын

2nd that!

Wow, Hank is such a strong and inspirational person! I'm so thankful that he shared his thoughts and experiences with us and I'm sure that it will help a lot of people. Thank you very much and I wish you all the best for your future ☺️🍀

@Kazooga-wi5qn

8 жыл бұрын

+Veronika Kruk he made a song about ulcerative colitis cardgamesftw has a harder time dealing with his because he had depression first

Wow. Can't say how right he is! A chronic illness makes you do anything to gain control. Living with one can be so incredibly isolating 💔 thanks Kati x

Hey Hank! Thanks for chatting about IBD. I have Crohn's disease and my whole KZread channel is devoted to both Crohn's and colitis and so is my website, Inflamed & Untamed. Anyway! Thanks again for being open.

@TamannaDas

6 жыл бұрын

Sara Ringer Checked out your website! Super informative! You're doing some great work. Keep going!

Hank is everywhere on KZread....

Thanks for this. I have Crohn's (pretty badly) and most of the time I deal well with the curve balls it has thrown over the last 25 years, since I was diagnosed. I have an awesome family and friends. I am not very good at letting people care for me and it has hurt my relationships. I am trying to rethink what meaningful work I can do. I miss being able to immerse myself in work. I am depressed which is not helping me think clearly, as well. This gave me a lot to think about and I appreciate your honesty, Hank. Thankyou Kati for facillitating this forum.

OMG IVE BEEN WAIT FOR THIS COLLAB FOR YEARS

I love when you collaborate with others, it's so interesting to listen to!

I just love how he talk about how he stoped feeling guilty about being granted help. It's a very hard process and I find him so inspiring. :)

Boy Hank, you hit the nail on the head about grieving for your old life or the new life you wish you could get, but know you never will. My husband is so incredibly tuned in to me and helps me at every turn. It hit me one day that I need to be super careful to not take advantage of him. While I cannot do much in return, I make sure I acknowledge his hard work, his intents, his help, and that his time is also being rerouted away from his personal time. It is the one thing that keeps my marrange strong (25 years!).

Thank you so much for talking with Hank Green! I have ankylosing spondylitis, and the visibility for chronic (and often invisible) illnesses makes me so happy!!!

I really appreciate all of your videos, Kati. As someone who suffers from mental illness, as well as bowel issues, I get a lot out of them.

Thank you. I just have chronic pain but it's nice to be reminded that it's ok to have bad day and that there are examples of what I would call success

Ahhhhh when I saw these two together I was so happy! Im a long time Hank and John Green fan and a recent Kati fan and I had no idea these guys even knew each other existed!!!

I just finished watching this video, and I have to say that hearing Hank share his walk with UC was like hearing someone speak to my heart. I relate so hard with what he' s shared here. Thank you for this video!

I wish I could favorite this a thousand times. :-) Thank you so much Katie for talking about chronic illness and for having someone as young and healthy looking as Hank. Most people have a real difficult understanding that someone who looks healthy, actually isn't and sometimes needs a lot of extra assistance.

This was really encouraging. I've had chronic back pain since 2008, and I only realized recently that chronic pain can (shocker!) contribute to depression and frustration. And it is comforting to know that many people deal with chronic pain/illness and have productive happy lives.

Hank Green is the bomb, his KZread channel gives me so much knowledge I'm so thankful for

This is very helpful to understand the person suffering chronic illness. Thank you both!

Hank and Kati nice to see you guys making a video together!

I am dealing with a chronic illness as well, and this is so relatable and so helpful. I recently got the diagnose and I can definitely feel the grieving process. :/ I have struggled so much because I have days when I can't get out of bed and I feel guilty because I am not contributing to society or being productive. But I am working on feeling more okay with it and videos like this really helps!

@TheMotleyStewReal

8 жыл бұрын

+Joffelicious While my chronic conditions may be different from yours, I completely get what you're going through. You wrote the same words that flow through my head on a regular basis. I try to just take one small step each day towards doing something I'm proud of and it helps me feel like the day is a success, even if not in the way I originally wanted it to be.

Hank is such a genuine, likeable guy.

Amazing video! So good to hear honest conversation about such an important topic. I agree lack of control is such a hard thing to wrap your head around.. I know I struggle with it a lot! But it's uplifting to remember that even if you have hardships in some areas of your life it doesn't mean you can't have wonderful things in other areas of your life. Thank you so much for making this both of you. 💛

I am dealing with 16 medical/emotional conditions and four of them are incurable. Have been out of work for 27 months and forced to apply for disability. Finally have the court date in two weeks after fighting for over two years. This was not planned. He is lucky he has his other half supporting him, Mine is always on my case and not really there. I have a counselor and on psych meds. Since my dad died three years ago and my career has died, my world has been turned upside down. Would not want my enemy to endure the reality i face day by day.

@lunacouer

8 жыл бұрын

+Randy R You're so not alone in this. I went through all of this in 2005. I don't have as many conditions as you have, but yes, the ones I do have are invisible, incurable and chronic. And, they include a mental health issue which makes getting depressed so easy anyway, let alone when all this came down. It became necessary for me to get on SSDI, too and yup, that took 2 years for me as well. Actually, that's what happens for about 66% of people that apply for SSDI, which is ridiculous, right? So, you're definitely not alone in that - in fact, you/me, we're in the majority. I swear, there should be support groups for people just trying to get through the SSDI process. You're just beginning this journey, but I want to extend to you that there is hope, and amidst all the suffering, you can still have a good life. There really is a big grieving process, especially when you just *can't* work. For me, so much of my self-esteem hinged on the fact of "Well, at least I can work". Phew, that's a freakin' doozy of pain to go through, and I've said the exact same thing..."I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy". But, for me, with time, once I'd had some acceptance that "Welp, this is the new norm", I started to focus on what I can do. I started getting into art journaling, because I figured "Hey, free therapy". Made friends with people in the same boat. Got used to poverty, and learned to work within that. Got onto the social programs I need to be able to have a roof over my head, and, ya know, food to eat. Became connected with a higher power, because, damn, I need some spirituality to get through all of this. Basically, just settled into this whole 180 degree switch life pulled on me. And I can honestly say that, today, I like my life. Ok, not the illnesses, or the fact that with aging, they are getting worse (I was 33 when this all went down). And I am definitely not saying I don't have down/hurting/depressed/"Are you freakin' kidding me??" days. And, I have those days when I get SUPER jealous of people that don't have to go through any of this. It's just that overall, considering what I do have going on, I get amazed, often, with "Wow, I can't believe I not only keep surviving, I'm actually doing that whole thriving thing. Shut the hell up!" Talk about a self-esteem building exercise. Like I said, for me, it's been over 11 years since my journey into this began. I know how hard this road is for you, how discouraging and depressing and miraculous it is when you survive just one hour of it, let alone a day, a week, a year, etc. I just wanted to let you know, there can be a flip side, down the road, where your life can be good, despite all the crap you're going through. PS. I hope you won your case.

@RandyR

8 жыл бұрын

Yes, disability was finally fully approved after 2 1/2 years and got my first check this month. Attorney got 6,100 but he had to go through 20 doctors reports The hard part is going from 2,100 a month down to 915 @ i am still dealing with my dad's death and three others since April 2012. I have had so many questions going through my head yet,last Saturday, i got 21 years clean and sober by the Grace of God. My other half does not understand. Now i am desperately trying to sell 700 items because i need the money and can't take anything with me.How do you explain to someone, who has never been through it what it feels like watching your dad die in front of you and then have your dream and career die a few months later? Yes i know all to well what pain and grief feels like, I am fighting with myself over whether or not to make my 21 years sober video. Am up and down about it. Thanks for caring. Some day there will be Peace In The Valley.

@RandyR

8 жыл бұрын

Just turned 63 and feel closer to 80.. Stress, loneliness, anxiety @ depression can kill a person.

@lunacouer

8 жыл бұрын

Randy R Trudging that road to happy destiny? And lordy, sometimes, it's a flat-out trudge, yeah? Yup, that is a LOT of pain to handle, especially with a spouse that doesn't get it. But, it is possible. I bet you're surrounded by people who've done it, too - they just don't talk about it openly. Congratulations - that's a really, really, REALLY big deal. See, you're helping folks, and you don't even know it, because they don't say it directly to you. I'm not trying to be all pollyanna on you here, because I really do understand the pain you're in. Just trying to give you some encouragement, that there is another side you can get to. Actually, also saying this to remind myself - having a hard time myself at the moment.

@lunacouer

8 жыл бұрын

Randy R Also, yes, all of those things you listed - they are silent (and sometimes not-so-silent) killers. I've had to manage all of this with a LOT of help. Therapy, groups, trusted friends who get it, etc. Helps with the loneliness stuff at least. Plus, medications - could NOT do this without them, either.

It's always great to hear from other people with chronic illness. I've had type 1 diabetes for 13 years (watched this while changing my pump site haha). What's made a big difference for me is finding other people who share my diagnosis. My brother and one of my friends have type 1 as well, and it's kind of cathartic to be able to talk about our frustrations so they're actually understood, but then to also share solutions and support. My biggest fear is turning 26. Man, do I depend on my insurance. Thank you for another great video, and thanks for having Hank Green on!

Ah, i love Hank Green! And that's a great video! Very informative! Xx

HANK YOURE SO USEFUL AND INSPIRING. You've done so much that you could do nothing for 10 years without having to be useful again. Thank you.

I am crying and laughing and for once in my life I don't feel alone with what is happening to me. Thank you. Just...just thank you.

@linefortier8595

4 жыл бұрын

Yes, me too, just THANKS.

Thanks for sharing Hank and thank you for making this video Kati! I have Crohn's and I know that it's awkward to talk about, but when you have an illness that people can't see it's hard to explain why you can't do certain things or eat certain things or why you're so tired all the time, etc.

Ok so, I love and really look up to Hank and John. There's something really special about watching one of them speak on a topic like this (that also happens to relate to me). This is something that is usually pretty private/intimate. I really appreciate the openness. Especially coming from someone I look up to.

I come back to this video all the time.

I have a chronic illness too and "I can't live the life I wanna live" is a super frustrating part to deal with! Likening it to grieving is really great and actually super helpful. Thanks to both of you for having this conversation!! :)

Thanks Kati & Hank. I really really needed this video.

Theres always so much guilt when you're chronically ill. Im comforted by the fact that even Hank Green feels inadequate from the weight of his illness, but also sad that such a great man suffers

That really helped me in restructuring how I think about my Cyclothymia. The grieving a "normal" life especially hit home. Thank you Hank and Kati.

Definitely would LOVE more videos dealing with the mental toll that Chronic Illnesses and Chronic Pain takes on us

Thank you so much for this video. I have ulcerative colitis also.

I have degenerative disc disease and, at 17, I'm finding it so hard to cope lately. Thank you both ❤️❤️

Thank you so much for talking about this topic. Hank touched on every feeling I have. It is so frustrating for me, family members, and friends. Having to cancel plans at the last minute; not being able to contribute financially in the way I would like; feeling shitty more than not, etc. Anyway, thank you for talking about it.

thanks so much for tackling this topic, Kati. It's so easy to feel like you're the only person who's going through this and feeling these things. I relate SO HARD to what Hank was saying, especially about feeling like you should be able to control it, and about grieving and what he said about feeling weird about getting sympathy and kindness even though it's nice but it makes you feel some type of way at the same time. It's confusing and weird and horrible, but it helps a lot just hearing people talk about feeling the same things. Especially someone who you have so much respect for.

i have ulcerative colitis aswell, i'm glad to see a video like this!! :)

Ive always been a fan of him. This video gives me more love for him. I have chronic illnesses. Mainly POTS and ehlers danlos syndrome and hearing him talk about this made me feel like i wasnt alone because I never hear about other men talk about chronic illness.

Thank you Hank and Kati! :-)

This is such a great video. I have always been a fan of Hank's because he always has the ability to do amazing things with a condition that is tough. I have depression and some days it seems like it is really rough to do much of anything. Although Hank's illness is different it does give me hope. Thanks Kati for doing this interview :D

I have fibromyalgia and so much of this video resonated with me, especially when Hank talked about his feelings of guilt when his wife takes care of him (I get that a lot with my mom when I'm having a really bad pain day and I can't move and she has to help me out and I kind of feel good for a bit but then I feel guilty for feeling happy about my illness and it all spirals). Thank you so much for making this

Thank you, Hank and Kati! I have chronic illness and I am always looking for ways to understand and deal with it and my emotions about it. The best thing I got out of this video was how Hank deals with it, which is to work. I want to publish a book which I think will be helpful to others, and I have been too sick to work on it for the last few months, and I think it's just making me really depressed. So, now that I'm feeling better, I know what I need to do! Pull out the old novel!

Very interesting!! Thanks Kati. And thanks Hank for being so open!

"You have to maintain your relationships for the people you love and also for yourself." So important to try to put into daily life.

I have lupus and hearing this helped me a lot ❤️

Thank you so much for this video. It feels so good to hear people openly talk about the struggle between physical and mental health. Chronic illness can create such a mental struggle. Thank you, thank you. My eating disordered thoughts are frequently triggered by my need to limit certain foods due to my physical health (ex: removing gluten/celiac disease). I would love if you made more videos on this topic, especially eating disorders and chronic illness together. Thanks so much Kati and Hank!

yayers hank green is on this i am so glad you got to talk to hank i love him so much thx for this awesomely ha bisky vid and i love his song about ulcerative colitis

Thank you! I have 5 chronic diseases, anxiety & depression. Work defines me since only 50% of IC & PFD sufferer are able to work. exactly what I needed.

Thank you so much for sharing this

Hank! It's Jean McCurry! Of all the places to see you again :) I'm sorry you are going through this, I wish you well in the future and pray for your health.

Oh I just stumbled upon this after a couple of John Green videos and a search for chronic pain management. Thank you KZread's AI 😀 8 years of Trigeminal Neuralgia has taught me a lot and yet the "grieving" idea here was very new! Thank you 💗 I'm still trying to control stuff and keep thinking I can function like a healthy person, then get frustrated when I can't. I started therapy sessions only this year (at 51!) And I'm glad I did. A lot happens when one gets a chronic disease. Depression can be one of them. And now I have yet another tool to ease my suffering: letting in grief. Will tell my therapist about this. He'll like it 😊

Thank you Kati for doing videos on this topic, people forget how chronic illness and physical health can affect your mental health. My illness is a big battle for me too...

I have ulcerative colitis too. Been on Humira injections for a year now. I still have bad days but it's helped a ton!!!

Saw Hank tweet this and I'm glad I watched it :) Fantastic video! I'll definitely be checking out more of your channel :)

This is a great video. I can understand so much of what he is saying, and it's nice to hear someone say that you know essentially It's okay not to be okay. You are going to have bad days and its something that you need to accept, and to welcome the help. I have yet to do that.

This was really good thank you for sharing

Amazing video Kati and Hank! Thank you for sharing this.

Having a rough day today dealing with my symptoms of UC. This video helped me feel so much better. Just knowing I'm not alone and I have someone who understands.

I love Hank so much and I love you in this. I know I'm late to the video but you've got a new subscriber from this collab. I struggle with chronic illness and with mental illnessand it's such a hard balance to find.

I've lost my large intestine to Crohn's Disease. It was beyond repair and now I don't have it...and that part where you both discussed the grieving process really spoke to me. Letting go and accepting that you can't always be in control is something I've had to learn to do over time. My ileostomy is difficult to deal with but I don't have a choice. It's my life (at least for the foreseeable future) and I need to not beat myself up about it. Instead, I just need to accept that it's how it has to be for now and just "ride the wave". It genuinely has been a grieving process but I am in the latter stages.

thank you sooooo much for my parcel Kati, it was the best thing ever ❤ totally made my year. You have no idea how much it meant to me, I cried so much, your words were just so important, and I can't ever thank you enough. I have never won anything in my life, honestly, so for the first time to be from you couldn't have been more perfect 😊 Hope you are okay. I will always pledge to your amazing work. you are fabulous. lots of love from across the pond Angela xxxxxx

Quick note to say I really appreciated (in addition to the rest of the video) the part where you two started talking about vocation and how important that is -- doing our thang, so to speak, in the midst of challenges. Of course, the two of you are living out your vocations right here on video ;-) thanks for inspiring me to finish my LAST GRAD SCHOOL ASSIGNMENT!

Hank said so many things that just ring so true with me, someone with Daily Chronic Migraines and POTS (this thing that makes me pass out sometimes). Last year I went through the process of trying to figure out what was wrong and there were a lot of really low moments. Like Hank said, there was embarrassment and frustration and just anger at why my body was acting the way it was and why I couldn't live my life the way I saw as "normal". I still get frustrated when there's a day I can't finish my mile, frustrated at all the pills I have to take, frustrated that a day will go by and I'll have been in my pajamas while the sun is shining outside. But like Kati said, my illnesses have helped discover some of the things that really make me happy and the things that were in my life but weren't really necessary. Thanks for the awesome, inclusive video

Thank you so much for making this! I have Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome and really connected to everything you talked about. :)

Thank you for sharing. I also suffer from U.C. I am in remission right now.

thanks for the video! I needed that!

Yay, I love Hank. This was a great video.

I sooo appreciate what he said about the bell curves... I have recently gotten stuck focusing on the health bell curve! I needed this whole video... thank you! ❤

This has been "inspirationally vulnerable...."... Does that make sense? This interview/video has been highly rewarding. You are both very much appreciated. Thank you.

Thank you so much for sharing :)

I've had UC since i was 15. I'm not 26 and doing better than ever. Go Hank!

I have chronic illnesses and share the feeling of not wanting to be useless. I cannot handle working so what I do is make sure to set myself one productive goal and one is your goal every single day to complete. Anything besides that is a bonus so I prioritize, but by being productive and also doing something that is self care every single day I feel like I'm actually doing something!!

I have Uc too and it's true that there are grieving periods for ones own body. Chronic illness is not easy to accept, but is not the end of the world either. There is a a lot of personal growth that comes from acceptance. Your an Inspiration Hank and Katie.

I am new to your channel and dont know if either of you will get this, but to both Kati and Hank... THANK YOU so much this helped me so much, I am also a musician who struggles with chronic physical illness while dealing with mental health issues relating to trauma.. etcetc just .. THANK YOU!!!! I now have new found confidence that I can openly talk with the people who love me about my illness instead of trying to carry it, feeling like a burden all the time. Thank you! :D

Great video, as always! Hope you have a good day xoxo

A great team.

i have fibermialga and intestinal cystitis. its impacting on my life alot. these are both auto immune diseases. Im now losing my eyebrows. some days i just cant get up out of bed. Being in physical and emotional pain is not fun!!! he is so right about grieving then moving on and adapting to what is now. thanks for this video. love you kati 💙