The Chronicles of Illness

Embracing Grief

ABOUT THE BOOK
"Remember that a diagnosis does not define you as a person. It may change certain things for you, but it won't make you less valuable or less capable of enjoying life."

The Chronicles of Illness is a heartfelt and practical guide for anyone navigating the complex emotions and challenges of living with a chronic illness, whether diagnosed or not. This book provides practical strategies and heartfelt advice to manage the emotional and physical aspects of chronic illness.

Included in the book is a link to the Journey Journal, a companion tool to track appointments, medical information, emergency contacts, symptoms, and pain levels. It also features a section for daily mental health check-ins, offering additional support in managing health and well-being.

Find your free copy by clicking on the Journey Journal tab.

The Chronicles of Illness is more than just a guide; it’s a personal companion designed to foster understanding, strength, and a sense of community, helping readers find a meaningful life despite chronic illness.
CHAPTER OUTLINE
This book offers vital support for individuals navigating health challenges. Chapter 1: The Impact of Illness explores understanding diagnoses and coping with the initial shock while navigating the healthcare system. Chapter 2: Embracing Grief and Loss addresses the stages of grief, emphasising the importance of finding support to honour your loss. Chapter 3: Re-Framing Your Perspectives encourages embracing self-compassion and resilience as essential coping tools. In Chapter 4: Building a Support Network, the focus is on strengthening relationships and joining support groups for social support. Chapter 5: The Power of Words in Caregiving examines how language shapes caregiving dynamics and patient experiences. Chapter 6: Managing the Physical and Emotional tackles pain and fatigue, with an emphasis on anxiety management and self-care practices. Chapter 7: Finding Meaning promotes personal growth through engagement in purposeful activities. Chapter 8: Relationships and Intimacy discusses maintaining healthy relationships and managing conflicts, especially in parenthood. Chapter 9: Work and Illness looks at balancing career challenges and health issues, including effective communication with employers. Chapter 10: Facing End-of-Life offers insights into advance care planning and the role of end-of-life doulas. Finally, Chapter 11: Accepting the Unknown guides readers toward solace through acceptance and documenting their journeys.
Author
I am Leandra Joubert. I am walking the path and navigating this saga of what we call chronic illness, feeling the weight of uncertainty and the daily struggle of a body that often feels like it’s betraying me. I know what it’s like to face the scepticism of medical experts and the misunderstandings of a world that often doesn’t see your invisible battles.

I have a bachelor's degree in Drama and Theatre Arts, an honours degree in Psychology, and an MA specialisation in Gender Studies. I am a Specialist wellness counsellor working with chronic illness.

My book, The Chronicles of Illness, is a personal project inspired by my own struggles with chronic illness and undiagnosed conditions. Despite the absence of a precise diagnosis for many years, these health challenges have profoundly impacted my daily life, leading me to step down from my position as a lecturer at one of South Africa's largest universities.

However, my passion for the arts and mental health continues to drive me forward. When I'm not battling my illness and the overwealming fatigue days, I find joy in singing. This creative outlet and my commitment to exploring and understanding chronic illness fuel my work and writing. 

Through my book, I hope to shed light on the often-overlooked experiences of those living with chronic illness, offering both insight and empathy.

Articles

About The Book

The Chronicles of Illness offers a deeply personal and universal exploration of living with chronic illness, whether diagnosed or undiagnosed. Written by a Specialist Wellness Counsellor, this book serves as a valuable resource for individuals, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. It addresses themes of grief, loss, and acceptance, providing empathy and practical advice for navigating the complexities of healthcare. Through discussions on self-advocacy, caregiving dynamics, and sensitive topics like end-of-life planning, the book aims to empower readers while helping them cope with the daily challenges of chronic illness.

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The Relief of a Positive Test Result

In this article, I share my journey through months of uncertainty and frustrating medical tests, culminating in the relief of receiving a positive ANA result.

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Gaslighting in Medicine

Explore the overlooked issue of medical gaslighting, where patients' symptoms are dismissed, leading to self-doubt and mistrust. Learn to recognise the signs, advocate for yourself, and find community support.

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The Journey Journal
The Journey Journal is an invaluable companion included in "The Chronicles of Illness," designed to help you track appointments, medical information, emergency contacts, symptoms, and pain levels. It also features a section for daily mental health check-ins, providing essential support for managing your overall well-being.

Contact

Thank you for reaching out and expressing interest in my book, The Chronicles of Illness. I appreciate your support and am delighted to hear from you. In addition to the book, I offer counselling services focused on chronic illness to support your journey.