Chronic Illness and Social Media

Today I had the pleasure of being introduced to a couple of newly diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis warriors. I say warrior, although they don't yet know, they will be a warrior of this disease, and their courage and strength will shine through their good and bad days - making them a warrior.


It is a beautiful thing for a person to have an outlet when they come home from being diagnosed. To have the ability to reach out on a dedicated rheumatoid arthritis Facebook page and say, 'Hi. I was diagnosed two days ago with rheumatoid arthritis. All I want to do is cry. I'd like to connect with people who have been there. Any advice?'


It is beautiful to see 70+ people comment and say, 'Add me as your friend. I'm here anytime to listen.' That's the power and beauty of social media in this day and time. It gives those of us that can feel absolutely isolated, scared and hopeless about our disease activity and diagnosis a community to get support from. It is comforting to know there are others on this same journey as you. It is nice to have a rheumy friend to talk to and gain knowledge from!


I think we all know at least one person that you've heard speak negatively of social media. I've definitely heard it. I've heard people complain about people sharing to much, or it being a forum for drama and attention. I don't subscribe to those negative thoughts and judgments.


I love social media first and foremost for the connections we get to make on a daily basis if we so choose. And right up there at the top is my love of it for people like myself, and people like those I was introduced to today on the dedicated rheumatoid arthritis Facebook page. We all as humans need connections, we need support - and we each have our individual needs within our need for connection and support.


Next time you hear a person speak of social media in a negative way perhaps you'll think of the positive impact it had on the newly diagnose rheumatoid arthritis warriors I met today. For each of them I'm sure there are thousands of other people plugged into social media that got the support they needed today from a person they met or a story they read. Social media is a beautiful way for those of us with chronic illness to connect and support one another!