Alicia Dorn is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Maryland. She provides mental health therapy services through her private practice – Adorned with Life, LLC, specializing in anxiety, chronic illness, and pain. She unapologetically advocates for people struggling with anxiety and chronic illness in her clinical work and through social media.
In this podcast, Alicia shares the challenges of parenting with a chronic illness, including her own experience of parenting while dealing with diagnoses of multiple sclerosis and Lyme disease. She gives us tips on making the every-day a little easier and how to honor your own needs while caring for the needs of your family.
Takeaways:
Alicia is a huge fan of advocating for your needs, even when it feels uncomfortable. This might mean sending your doctor a message in between appointments to get a question answered, asking for accommodations at work, or having a support system in place to step in when you aren’t feeling your best.
Regularly take a break to check in with yourself. Ask yourself how you’re feeling and what you need at that moment. This little check-in allows you to be aware of what’s happening so that you can listen to your body and step back and ask for help before becoming overwhelmed or pushing past your limit.
Keep it sweet and simple (KISS). Make your days as simple as possible. It’s okay if your life isn’t always Pinterest or social media-ready. Your priority is caring for yourself so that you can be at your best for your family.
There is nothing “weak” about living with a chronic illness. Parenting with a chronic illness builds your endurance and makes you stronger over time. It teaches you perseverance and patience and passes these lessons on to your children.
Find Alicia:
• Website: adornedwithlife.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/adornedwithlifellc
• Facebook: facebook.com/adornedwithlife
Connect with Orlesa:
• Book a free 15-minute consultation: psychotherapyformoms.com/free-consultation
• Instagram: instagram.com/managing_motherhood_
• Website: psychotherapyformoms.com
