Spiritual Support

Anyone experiencing a debilitating chronic illness needs time to grieve over the loss of his or her former life. You can expect to go through a similar process as when you lose a loved one, with the same stages of grieving: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance.

Often, it is helpful to engage in activities to cultivate spiritual growth, such as prayer, yoga, religious services and/or meditation. Maintaining connection with a religious community can add more support.

Family/Social Support

Isolation is often one of the most difficult aspects of having environmental sensitivities/intolerances. Family and friends may not understand the patient's many sensitivities and symptoms and may go through many of the same emotional stages that the sick person does - denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. This lack of understanding may be compounded if health professionals and insurance companies do not validate the illness as "real."

The first step in helping others to understand your condition is to educate yourself, and then others. (Our Resources Section can help.) You may wish to have family and friends come to your own home when socializing, rather than going to their homes, as it is easier to control your own environment. It helps if someone can accompany an environmentally sensitive person in case symptoms are triggered when shopping, at the movies or on another outing.

Sadly, in some cases, in spite of education about ES/MCS, family and friends may not be supportive. It is probably wise to minimize or eliminate contact with these people as much as possible, as they can be very "energy draining." On the other hand, building a group or community of people who understand and care can be energy well spent. It may be helpful to connect with others who have the illness, through a support group. If you cannot leave your home or find a tolerable space to meet, it is usually still possible to network with supportive others through telephone calls, the Internet and/or email.

The Women's Health Matters Environmental Sensitivities, CFS, Fibromyalgia Discussion Group is a good place to start.

Taking Action

Some people find that when they start to feel better they want to become active in making environmental changes in their community to prevent others becoming ill or to help others who have environmental sensitivities. This is a great way to "make a difference." Find out what groups are working in your community to create safe and healthy environments through your local politicians or support groups for people with environmental sensitivities/intolerances.