Dozens of our Garden members have had the opportunity to benefit from the Long Covid & Chronic Illness Support Group. In this interview, the facilitator, Chanelle, speaks about the goals and roots of this group! Have you been wanting to check out this group, but haven't yet? Check it out every other Thursday at 5:30 pm PST/8:30 pm EST in Garden! RSVP for it here to get reminders! The next dates for group are December 19th as well as January 2nd, 16th, and 30th.
Until next our avatars meet,
J Mase 🪻
What made you start the Long Covid & Chronic Illness Support Group?
It has been difficult for me to access inclusive, BIPOC-specific spaces while managing and seeking support for my own chronic illness over the past 18 years. I've also found that able bodied therapists aren't always able to understand and fully empathize with the various ways illness impacts a person both physically and emotionally. I pursued my master's degree in social work because I wanted to help other people who are living with chronic illness.
I started the support group because I feel it is essential right now to have a supportive space for BIPOC folks experiencing long-term illness. The rise of long Covid has led to an increase in the number of people who are chronically ill and disabled. It is difficult enough to get adequate care as a BIPOC person, but having to advocate for yourself in terms of staying safe from contracting illness in medical settings adds another layer of stress. I wanted to create a space for us, by us, where we can support and encourage one another.
What has been your favorite part of group?
My favorite part of this group is what other people bring to the space. We have had people share art, musings, and music - everyone brings unique and beautiful insight to the group. I continually learn so much from everyone who participates, and it expands my viewpoints. I love being in a space with people who understand the experience of illness yet find and bring joy to one another.
What would someone experience coming into this space?
Our group has a fairly loose structure, and a set of community guidelines. Folks can participate in whatever way works for them (chat, mic, or just listening). We aim to create a mutually supportive space where everyone respects and listens to one another as we learn from each other’s life experiences. We typically begin with a brief, lighthearted check-in question and then do a grounding exercise. Next, we reflect on a discussion question. Folks are encouraged to share whatever they feel is relevant to the discussion, and to provide support and feedback to one another. We also include a ten-minute break halfway through the meeting. At the end, we read through an affirmation to close. Our collaborative group padlet, Chronic Illness Musings and Affirmations, is open to the public and gives an idea of the type of affirmations we share.
Who should come?
Anyone in the BIPOC community who is seeking support for managing chronic or long-term illness while practicing pandemic safety is welcome!
What do you hope members get out of group?
I hope people will experience a sense of community and the feeling of being seen, held, and less alone. I hope the group allows members to emotionally process the difficulties of illness while also finding beauty in honoring their bodies and in the moments of joy and tenderness we create together.
PS: Have a one-time-event or a recurring event and need a place to host? Email us at info@meetatgarden.com!
Garden is a free 24/7 space, but it does cost money for us to maintain it on Gather.Town. If you'd like to donate to this work, consider throwing some money in the pot here. To send donations directly through our 501c3 fiscal sponsor, email us!