Sunday Conversations - January 21, 2024

"It's not 'All In Your Head' "
Multi-Modal Healing with Judy Tsafrir

Sunday, January 21, 2024, 4 p.m. Eastern Time


Judy Tsafrir, MD

When a patient consults a physician and reports symptoms that refer to multiple unrelated organ systems which do not fit with known patterns or conditions, and when the laboratory tests that are conventionally run do not reveal any abnormalities, the conclusion is reached that they should see a psychiatrist. They are told that they are suffering from stress; that they are depressed or anxious. The implication is that their condition is psychosomatic; meaning that their emotions are manifesting as physical symptoms. This is a very invalidating experience that adds insult to injury.

Read more: Sunday Conversations - January 21, 2024


Sunday Conversations - November 19, 2023

"What Sociology and the Illness Narratives Can Teach Us About Living with Chronic Illness"

Sunday, November 19, 2023, 4 p.m. Eastern Time


Helen McGunnigle

Helen McGunnigle is a graduate of Hampshire College where she studied pre-medical sciences and conducted an ethnographic study of college students living with contested chronic illness (including chronic or post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome, ME/CFS, and fibromyalgia) for her senior thesis. In this Sunday Conversation, Helen highlighted the findings from this research project, exploring the early histories of these illnesses and what exactly makes them so contested. Following the discussion, she lead a conversation on the impacts of living with chronic illness.

Read more: Sunday Conversations - November 19, 2023


ME/CFS: Changing the Narrative - Recording Available

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Ed Yong is a celebrated science journalist who cares deeply about accurate, nuanced, and empathetic reporting; clear and vivid storytelling; and social equality. His coverage of ME/CFS and Long COVID for The Atlantic has been groundbreaking, and has contributed to a changing public perception of these illnesses, moving us toward a public health agenda that recognizes the serious nature and commonalities of infection-associated chronic conditions, and supports advances in research and clinical care.

 

Mr. Yong shared with us how he came to the subject of ME/CFS and long COVID and what has motivated him to dig so deeply and tenaciously into them.  He explained how he chose sources to interview and how he prepares for those interviews.  We heard his thoughts on what is yet to be explored about ME/CFS from a journalistic perspective, and how science journalism contributes to changing perceptions.  

 

Mr. Yong is a Pulitzer Prize-winning science journalist on staff at The Atlantic.  In addition to his work for The Atlantic, Yong’s writing has been featured in National Geographic, The New Yorker, Wired, The New York Times, Nature, New Scientist and Scientific American.   He is the author of two New York Times bestsellers—An Immense World, about the extraordinary sensory worlds of other animals; and I Contain Multitudes, about the amazing partnerships between animals and microbes.  

Visit Ed Yong's website to learn more and sign up for his newsletter.

 

This event was part of the Association's 2023 Annual Meeting of the Membership.

Read more: ME/CFS: Changing the Narrative - Recording Available


Young Adult Support Group for those with ME/CFS, FM, Lyme, Long COVID, and Chronic Illness - Fall Session 2023

FINAL Young Adult Support Group Fall 2023 Ongoing Registration Instagram Post Instagram Post

Young Adult Support Group for those with ME/CFS, FM, Lyme, Long COVID, and Chronic Illness

*Please Note: Due to professional licensing issues, you must be a Massachusetts resident to attend this group.

Join us on Monday nights @ 7:00 pm and Wednesday afternoons @ 3:30 pm ET.

This drop-in Virtual Support Group is interactive and provides a safe space for patients to share stories and experiences, ask questions, and offer one another support.

In an effort to streamline the registration process, we are offering one registration for the entire Fall Session.  Once registered, you are welcome to attend as many meetings as you like.

Fall Session Dates:

Monday, September 11th, @ 7:00 pm

Wednesday, September 20th @ 3:30 pm

Monday, October 2nd @ 7:00 pm

Wednesday, October 18th @ 3:30 pm

Monday, November 13th, @ 7:00 pm

Wednesday, November 29th @ 3:30 pm

This group is free for members, with any donations to offset costs welcome. A contribution of $25 or more will include annual membership.  

 

What age is Young Adult?

Anyone over the age of 18 who self-identifies as a young adult, either through age or via the life challenges typically experienced by this population. Relevant topics of this group are challenges with college/higher education, starting a career, housing challenges, dating and/or starting a family, and social challenges.

To Register, please fill in the form or confirm your pre-filled information below, and then click the Register button.

REGISTER FOR THE YOUNG ADULT GROUP - FALL SESSION

 

 

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