HD Reality | Support for the Emotional Impacts of Huntington's Disease

Just a quick update to let you know that I am pregnant! We are so blessed and happy, but I am also quite nauseous and low energy, so I will be posting full episodes every other week for the next 2 months or so. Please let me know your experiences with family planning in Huntington's Disease! We went through the IVF with PGD process, but I would love to hear your experiences. Message me on Face...

Explore strategies for navigating the emotional rollercoaster of Huntington's Disease research in this episode of "HD Reality | Support for the Emotional Impacts of Huntington's Disease." Learn practical tips for handling negative emotions triggered by research updates and coping with external judgments about your approach to staying informed. Discover a fresh perspective on rese...

Discover the power of your thoughts in shaping your emotional experience in this episode of "HD Reality | Support for the Emotional Impacts of Huntington's Disease." With practical examples and visual analogies, learn how to take control of your emotional responses by deliberately choosing your thoughts. Uncover the truth about responsibility for your feelings and discover how to com...

Welcome to "HD Reality | Support for the Emotional Impacts of Huntington's Disease." In this episode, we explore the crucial idea that you are not responsible for other people's experiences, particularly in the complex relationships between individuals with HD and their loved ones. Discover what it means to release this responsibility in a healthy way, avoiding becoming rude or c...

In this episode of "HD Reality | Support for the Emotional Impacts of Huntington's Disease", we address the challenging moment when you observe someone further along in their HD journey and entertain the thought, "That's going to be me someday." Explore strategies and ideas to shift your mindset away from this thought pattern, alleviating pain, and avoiding distractions...

In honor of the Twelve Days of Christmas, in this episode of HD Reality, I offer you 12 thoughts that I have collected over the years that help me redirect my mind in times of stress, fear, or pain. Try them on for yourselves and see which ones you like! I'll be taking a few weeks off for the Holidays, but in the meantime, check out these amazing podcasts: Better Than Happy - Jody Moore: https...

Welcome to "HD Reality | Support for the Emotional Impacts of Huntington's Disease." In this episode, we explore the dynamics of building and sustaining healthy relationships with loved ones affected by Huntington's Disease. Gain insights into the true nature of relationships and unlock transformative ways to enhance and strengthen your connections.

Welcome to "HD Reality | Support for the Emotional Impacts of Huntington's Disease." In this episode, we guide you through six practical steps to diminish the power of HD as a perceived villain in your life. Discover how shifting your focus can be a transformative approach to being less dominated by the challenges of Huntington's Disease. These steps offer valuable insights into...

Welcome to "HD Reality | Support for the Emotional Impacts of Huntington's Disease." In part two of our series on perfectionism, we equip you with powerful strategies to combat perfectionist thinking. Discover four effective methods to overcome mental roadblocks and adopt new ways of thinking that lead to greater emotional well-being. Join us as we navigate the complexities of perfec...

Welcome to "HD Reality | Support for the Emotional Impacts of Huntington's Disease." In this illuminating episode, we embark on part one of a two-part series diving into the pervasive phenomenon of perfectionism. Join us as we explore the roots of perfectionism, uncovering the main thought error that fuels it. We'll also unveil six significant downstream results that perfectionis...

Welcome to a transformative episode of "HD Reality | Support for the Emotional Impacts of Huntington's Disease." In this candid discussion, we explore the profound emotions of losing one's identity when becoming a caregiver for a loved one with Huntington's Disease. Together, we define the concept of "identity" and provide valuable tips and tools to navigate the cha...

In this thought-provoking episode, we explore the concept of the "Universal Rule," which states that our beliefs shape our experiences. Join us as we discuss what this means for individuals affected by Huntington's Disease, examining when to exercise caution and how to harness this principle to craft the life you desire. Discover the transformative power of belief in shaping your rea...

In this episode, we dive into the complex realm of managing emotions while visiting a loved one living with Huntington's Disease. These encounters can evoke a range of feelings, from somber to tense, often carrying emotional baggage. Join us as we explore the intricacies of these interactions and the challenges in deciding to go. Discover how our lower brain's pursuit of comfort can confli...

Welcome to "HD Reality | Support for the Emotional Impacts of Huntington's Disease." In this episode, we sit down with the creator of the "Hope for Huntington's Disease" Facebook page. Join us as she candidly shares her personal journey, the driving force behind launching the page, and her remarkable experience watching it grow to over 2000 members. This interview offer...

In this insightful episode, we discuss the pervasive experience of physical and emotional exhaustion associated with life impacted by Huntington's Disease. Join us as we explore the root causes of both forms of fatigue and offer targeted strategies for managing each. Discover valuable insights into handling physical and emotional exhaustion separately, and gain empowering techniques for when t...

Welcome to "HD Reality | Support for the Emotional Impacts of Huntington's Disease." In this enlightening episode, we dive into the profound impact of gene status on personal worth and value. Discover why having HD or a specific CAG count holds no bearing on your intrinsic value as a human being. Join us as we unravel three common ways our brains attempt to convince us otherwise and...

Welcome to "HD Reality | Support for the Emotional Impacts of Huntington's Disease." In this eye-opening episode, I address the sensitive topic of survivor's guilt in Huntington's Disease and offer practical strategies for managing it. Take the first step of validating the reality of this guilt as I guide you through the process of identifying and questioning the underlying t...

Welcome to "HD Reality | Support for the Emotional Impacts of Huntington's Disease." In this profound episode, we explore our innate human need for validation and its impact on our lives. Join us as we dive into the reasons why we often seek external validation and discover empowering ways to cultivate internal validation. Get ready for a heartfelt discussion as I open up about why t...

Welcome to "HD Reality | Support for the Emotional Impacts of Huntington's Disease." In this insightful episode, we explore the pros and cons of being involved in the vibrant HD community. Discover the wonderful aspects that bring support, connection, and understanding to those affected by HD. At the same time, we'll navigate potential downsides to watch out for. Join us as we di...

Welcome to "HD Reality | Support for the Emotional Impacts of Huntington's Disease." In this episode, we explore a common situation faced by caregivers when their HD loved ones say or do something out of character, and others attribute it solely to the impact of HD. Join us as we delve into the complex dynamics surrounding this notion and examine when it is and isn't helpful. Gai...

Welcome to "HD Reality | Support for the Emotional Impacts of Huntington's Disease." In this special episode, we have the privilege of interviewing Laurie Walther, a speech language pathologist, and Emily Briggs, an occupational therapist, both founders of Empowering Care Partners. Join the enlightening conversation with these specially trained dementia care experts who offer invalua...

Welcome to "HD Reality | Support for the Emotional Impacts of Huntington's Disease." In this transformative episode titled "Your Relationship With Yourself," we delve into the profound significance of nurturing a positive relationship with yourself. Join us as we explore the reasons behind hesitations and barriers to self-love, offering valuable strategies to improve your s...

Welcome to "HD Reality | Support for the Emotional Impacts of Huntington's Disease." In this insightful episode titled "Tackling Caregiver Burnout: Loneliness," we delve into the complex emotions of loneliness experienced by caregivers. Join us as we explore the reasons behind these feelings and provide practical tips to chip away at the self-beliefs that contribute to lone...

In this empowering episode titled, we address the overwhelming effects of decision-making on caregivers and offer practical strategies to boost your daily energy. Join us as we explore the toll of countless small decisions throughout your busy caregiving day and how they contribute to exhaustion. Discover effective techniques to minimize decision fatigue and preserve your mental and emotional well...

In this insightful episode titled "Tackling Caregiver Burnout: Financial Stress," we explore the impact of financial stress on caregivers and how it hampers their ability to become who they truly want to be. Join us as we dive deep into the messy dynamics of how finances can impact our personal value and the fear of being perceived as a burden. Discover the underlying causes of financial...