What happens when you've been chronically ill for so long that getting better actually feels... weird? In this episode, I share a fascinating case study about a client whose chronic headaches disappeared—and how she struggled to trust her new normal.

This is the follow-up to my episode on Maslow's Hierarchy and chronic illness. Now we're exploring what happens when you climb out of survival mode: the disbelief, the waiting for the other shoe to drop, and sometimes even unconscious resistance to healing.

I walk through the seven stages of grief as they apply to chronic illness recovery, focusing especially on denial and testing. Some people are subconsciously attached to being sick because it's become part of their identity, or because their illness serves a psychological purpose they're not aware of. This isn't victim-blaming—it's about empowering you to understand the full picture of healing.

Topics covered:

• A case study of rapid headache recovery and the disbelief that followed
• The seven stages of grief applied to getting better
• Homoeopathic remedies for shock (Ignatia, Arnica, Aconite)
• Why I quantify symptoms on a scale of 1-10
• How denial shows up when clients are actually improving

YouTube video: https://youtu.be/zbsefZcHv9o

Ever feel guilty because you know what you should be doing for your health, but you just... can't? In this episode, I explain why chronic illness keeps you stuck in survival mode and why that's not your fault.

Using Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, I break down why you might be reaching for instant noodles instead of cooking healthy meals, even though you know better. When you're in the baseline of the pyramid—dealing with pain, fatigue, or chronic symptoms—you simply don't have the capacity to make choices the way you would when you're well.

This episode is permission to give yourself grace. If you're chronically ill or supporting someone who is, understanding this psychological framework can help release the guilt and shame that often accompanies chronic health struggles.

Topics covered:

• Why you can't just "do better" when you're chronically ill
• The homeless person analogy for survival mode
• How chronic illness affects every area of life, not just health
• Why forgiving past behaviour is essential for healing
• The gap between knowledge and capacity

YouTube episode: https://youtu.be/B-e2wtLpDbM

Living with ADHD and neurodivergence as a family?

In this episode, I share the game-changing structures I've put in place that help our neurodivergent household run more smoothly. From hiring a cleaner twice a month to creating accountability with an exercise subscription, these aren't just tips—they're survival strategies that actually work.

I talk about visual reminders using whiteboard markers on kitchen tiles, setting up a wellness trolley for supplements, and how I've structured my business booking system to protect my mental health as a solopreneur. If you're neurodivergent or parenting neurodiverse kids, you'll find practical, real-world solutions that honour how our brains actually work—not how we think they should.

Topics covered:

• Why a cleaner changed our family dynamic
• Exercise accountability for ADHD brains
• Visual reminder systems that actually work
• Protecting boundaries as a neurodivergent business owner
• Creating structures that reduce overwhelm

Link to Youtube episode: https://youtu.be/FCcJsae40YA

Link to blog article: https://vintagehealth.com.au/blog/episode-eleven-practical-structures-for-a-neurodivergent-adhd-household