How to Find a Good Therapist While Battling Lyme Disease

Recovering from Lyme disease isn’t a straightforward process. It can take many years to get a diagnosis - and even with one, there's no guarantee treatment will cure it. Living with Lyme can be debilitating, but with the proper support, patients can manage symptoms. So below, we’ll tell you exactly how to find a good therapist or assistance while battling Lyme disease. 

Why Seek Out a Therapist Or Assistance if you Have Lyme?

It’s a good idea to seek out a therapist or assistance if you have Lyme because it can help to manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Lyme disease is difficult to diagnose, and suffering from an undiagnosed chronic illness can be incredibly stressful.  

Lyme patients can wait years to get a correct diagnosis, and their loved ones and doctors will often dismiss their symptoms. This leaves patients distressed and socially isolated and can even lead to PTSD.  

Furthermore, Lyme affects all cells in the body, including the ones in the brain. This can cause neurological and psychological symptoms, which have a tremendous impact on mental well-being. With Lyme, the body is constantly under attack, which can lead to anxiety, brain fog, lethargy, and depression.  

How To Find a Good Lyme Therapist

To find a good Lyme therapist, you must ensure they are Lyme literate, meaning they understand the complexities of Lyme. Unfortunately, this isn’t easy because many therapists still falsely believe that symptoms are psychosomatic.  

Many Lyme-literate therapists are Lyme patients, and they understand what you’re going through. To discover if a therapist is suitable - ask them their opinion about Lyme disease and their treatment plan. If they dismiss Lyme and think it’s purely psychosomatic, they aren’t a good fit for you.  

If you struggle to find a Lyme-literate therapist, ask for recommendations from the Lyme community through social media and Facebook. Finding the correct therapist to help you deal with Lyme is crucial because if they don't understand Lyme - it can make you feel worse. 

Some therapists offer a free telephone consultation to help you determine if they’re a good match. Also, look for a therapist with a flexible cancellation policy. Lyme symptoms vary daily, and you might be unable to make it to the session occasionally. 

What Other Assistance Is There for Lyme?

A holistic approach is crucial when dealing with Lyme disease. As well as working with a therapist, you should also improve your lifestyle with healthy eating and regular exercise, for example.  

You can also use virtual counseling services, such as Online-Therapy, hire a health coach or use brain retraining programs to help manage symptoms. If you’re not getting help from your doctor, look for a Lyme-literate one or visit a functional medicine practitioner.  

Finally, educate your loved ones about the illness - so they know how to support you, and join online support groups. You will find lots of support and advice from the online Lyme community, which truly understands your experience.    

Some online therapy options are:

  • Talkspace - Connect with a licensed therapist from the palm of your hand, and experience the most convenient, affordable way to improve your mental health.

  • Online-Therapy- “Our whole operation is based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is one of the most commonly used psychotherapeutic approaches for treating mental health problems. CBT helps you to identify, challenge and overcome your dysfunctional thoughts, behaviors and emotions.” Use code THERAPY20 for 20% off your first month. They also offer financial aid for those in financial hardhship.

Conclusion

As a Lyme patient, it’s crucial to have the correct medical and emotional support to manage or potentially overcome your illness. To help manage psychological symptoms and improve your well-being, find a Lyme-literate therapist or at least one willing to learn about Lyme. You should also join online support groups, enlist the help of a health coach or enroll in a brain retraining program.

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The Quest for Effective Lyme Treatment with Dr. Monica Embers

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A letter for Patients to take to Practitioners who do not acknowledge Lyme Disease