In this episode of Sofia Unfiltered, Riley and Lauren speak with Meghan Beier Ph.D., a Neuropsychologist who specializes in Multiple Sclerosis (MS). 

 

How Dr. Beier Found Her Calling

Coming from a family of physicians, Dr. Beier always had an affinity for the medical field. However, she chose to pursue health psychology because she was fascinated with how the brain interacts with emotions and the body. While working in a brain injury rehabilitation center before graduate school, Dr. Beier realized the importance of treating individuals holistically.

 

Witnessing the desire for independence and recognition of intrinsic worth in people with traumatic brain injuries had a profound impact on her and helped shape her approach in graduate school. Later, while working with individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS), she recognized the need for stronger mental health support within the MS community.

 

Dr. Beier believes in helping people manage their diagnosis and integrate it into their lives. Her work focuses on helping individuals with MS thrive, build meaningful connections, and embrace their journey with the condition.

 

What Is Emotional Wellness?

Emotional wellness means being able to handle life’s stresses, adapt to change, and move through difficult times.

 

Throughout her career, Dr. Beier has seen that the MS community is open to wellness and mental well-being. She believes this is also true for other populations, as interest in wellness has grown over the past 10 to 15 years. She notes that wellness has long been emphasized in cancer care, but it is now extending to other diagnoses where people must live with a condition over a long period of time.

 

There is growing interest in learning how to live with chronic conditions and manage fatigue, cognitive changes, and emotional challenges beyond relying on medication alone.

 

Lauren, our co-host for this season, notes that by improving lifestyle habits and receiving mental and emotional support, people may be better able to manage their symptoms while also improving their overall well-being. Meghan agrees and emphasizes that wellness and medicine should be integrated rather than viewed as separate approaches.

 

She explains that when people focus on wellness activities such as proper nutrition, exercise, and sufficient sleep, in addition to taking medication, their outcomes can be even better.

 

Riley reminds us that the premise behind Sofia Health is to integrate different practices for improved wellness outcomes. The goal is to move beyond symptom management and focus on self-care and overall health.

 

The Complex Journey of Chronic Illness

Meghan discusses the challenge of adjusting to a new life trajectory after being diagnosed with a chronic illness or disability. People may have to let go of previous visions for the future and grieve the loss of certain functions or abilities. There is also the practical challenge of learning how to navigate daily life with the condition.

 

Meghan uses the analogy of being in an unfamiliar city, where even simple tasks require more cognitive effort and can feel frustrating. People with chronic illnesses often have to relearn parts of their daily routine and manage the small setbacks that come with it.

 

Our guest shares an example of a person with MS who experienced difficulty with hand dexterity. Initially, the symptoms were attributed to MS, but through her own research, she discovered that the issue was actually carpal tunnel syndrome. Meghan emphasizes the complexity of managing a chronic condition and the potential for individuals to be overlooked or misunderstood in medical settings.

 

Riley agrees and mentions that individuals who appear fine most of the time may still face challenges when their symptoms flare up. They discuss how ableism plays a role in this, as the world is not always built to accommodate people with chronic illnesses or disabilities. Meghan explains that if someone has not personally experienced or witnessed the challenges of living with a chronic condition, they may dismiss those difficulties or attribute them to other factors.

 

This lack of understanding can lead to dismissive comments or a lack of support.

 

Dr. Beier shares a story about how attending an educational event on fatigue shifted a man’s perspective on his wife’s condition. She emphasizes the importance of community and support partners, suggesting that people seek support from individuals with specific strengths rather than relying on one person for everything. Meghan also recommends using resources such as videos and online platforms to share information and perspectives.

 

How to Increase Emotional Wellness

Riley brings up the stress of constantly having to explain one’s situation. The group discusses managing expectations and boundaries in relationships, appreciating the strengths of different support systems, and overcoming the stigma around setting boundaries.

 

Meghan highlights the importance of identifying personal values and finding ways to incorporate activities that align with them. She encourages flexibility, acceptance, and problem-solving while acknowledging that acceptance does not mean being okay all the time.

 

Information Is Power

Lauren and Meghan discuss the importance of seeking information and support when dealing with illness, managing stress, and navigating life changes. They emphasize the value of listening to our bodies and emotions, highlighting the power of knowledge and support in reducing fear and helping people feel more empowered.

 

Our guest stresses the importance of problem-solving while also allowing space for grief and difficult emotions. She emphasizes self-compassion, the temporary nature of emotional seasons, and the value of finding helpful resources and supportive communities.

 

Meghan also mentions her podcast, “Find Empathy,” which aims to train mental health providers and resonates with individuals living with chronic illness.

 

The conversation encourages listeners to embrace their emotions, seek support, and build a toolbox of resources for navigating the challenges of living with chronic conditions.

 

More from Sofia Health

Check out the full episode of the Sofia Unfiltered podcast titled "Managing Chronic Disease" available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

 

Whether you prefer a subscription to live classes or want to shop for individual services, classes, or products, we have you covered. We’re here to help you meet your wellness goals for physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. You can also explore services offered by providers in the Sofia Marketplace.

 

Better yet, make a daily dose of wellness part of your routine. Sofia Prime offers live classes and an extensive on-demand video library. Choose from high-quality offerings in wellness, nutrition, fitness, and meditation.

 

Start your two-week trial today and discover the difference that dedication and expert support can make.