Page 17 - Classical Singer magazine Spring Issue 2020
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amount of interaction you will have with them is limited and expensive. Facebook support groups are an incredible resource and essential when you are getting your feet under you. There’s no better place to connect with fellow warriors who share your condition and learn about cutting edge or alternative treatment protocols. But these groups can also be a trap.
When I thought I had re ux, I made my way through various re ux and re ux diet support pages. When I received my SIBO diagnosis and had a positive upper
GI response to treatment, I left the re ux groups and migrated to a host of SIBO support groups and groups for its related dietary treatment options. I researched relentlessly.
At  rst, it was necessary to get my bearings. But after a few months, my Facebook feed was overrun with posts about antibiotics, diet, and a demoralizing catalogue of symptoms. All my free time was being spent researching, reading, or responding.
Everyone on the forums was desperate for answers and su ering a lot. Scrolling through my newsfeed became
a completely overwhelming and toxic habit. Finally, I
had to put my foot down. I unfollowed and turned o  noti cations for all the SIBO-related groups. I kept my memberships open, however, so I can still periodically check in or ask a question when I need to.
The research is important, but don’t let it take over. Your condition is not the totality of your life.
You Need a Support Team
This goes for all areas of life, but it’s important to  nd your tribe. Through a few transparent social media posts I chose to make about my SIBO, to my surprise I was able to connect with three colleagues who also have SIBO.
One has been on the journey for several years and was able to o er an immense amount of experience and advice as I was sifting through treatment options. Another has had it for a middling amount of time and was able to connect me with an excellent specialist who has been a big help. The third lives across the country and has been sick about as long as me. We have a monthly facetime “co ee date” to share what new things we’re trying and what’s currently working for us, commiserate about symptoms, and just be friends.
Your Feelings Are OK
When you are diagnosed with a chronic health condition, there are going to be a lot of emotions you may not be prepared to face: grief, anger, anxiety, depression. These reactions are normal, and your feelings are valid. Coming to accept these feelings can be challenging,
and recognizing that you can allow yourself to feel disappointed or sad is an important part of the process. But there’s also a line past which such feelings are no
July 6 - August 16, 2020
2020 Masterclass Artists
To be considered for merit- based scholarships, a live or video audition is required. Singers from all countries (18 and older) are welcome to audition.
View audition info at
www.aimsgraz.com/ audition
Sarah Halley General Director
Linda Watson Bo Skovhus Barbara Bonney
Thomas Hampson Gabriele Lechner
Gary Matthewman Ewa Iżykowska Marzio Conti
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