The Power of Connection: Health Leader Perspectives
Living with a chronic illness can be a challenging and isolating journey. The physical and emotional toll that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can have on people living with it can often leave many feeling isolated and misunderstood.
Despite the hardships, there is incredible power in connecting with others who truly understand what it’s like.
Connection within a supportive RA community
We asked our Health Leaders what the greatest benefit to them has been since connecting with others in the RA community. They shared their experiences and unique perspectives. Here’s what they had to say.
Receiving validation
"Before I was diagnosed with RA, I lived many, many years with mysterious pain. I felt very alone in my pain because there wasn't a name to my pain, a treatment for my pain, and, especially, a community that knew what my pain felt like.
In the end, I started to question whether or not I actually had the pain I thought I did because the experience felt so foundationless and odd. Connecting with the RA community has allowed me to make sense of what I experienced. It helped my pain belong to something, and that helped me cope in the long run."
- Janeil Whitworth, RheumatoidArthritis.net Health Leader
Feeling heard and appreciated
"Connecting with our RA community has helped me realize that all my experiences are valuable. Collectively, the good, the bad, and the really ugly experiences are not wasted. Connecting with others allows me to share, and that ability to share and open up allows me to not internalize all of my daily experiences. It also helps me to help others."
- Lynn Marie Witt, RheumatoidArthritis.net Health Leader
I’m not alone
"The greatest benefit I get from connecting with other RA community members is the overall sense that I’m not alone. As someone in my late 30s, I sometimes look around my rheumatologist's waiting room and think about my age, and how many of the people there are much older and have likely lived much different (and possibly even much fuller) lives than I have.
I sometimes feel bitter and jealous. But then I come back to this community and I see people of all ages and demographics. Everyone is wanting to share their stories, share what works for them, how they’ve coped, and what still brings them joy even amidst the pain and frustration. I instantly feel like I’m part of a network of people all truly wanting to help and support each other. That's the greatest benefit, without a doubt."
- Amanda Osowski, RheumatoidArthritis.net Health Leader
Share your thoughts!
How has connecting with other people living with RA changed your health journey? Have you noticed any benefits from meeting other people who understand what life with RA is like? Share your experiences with us in the comments below!
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