Expert Advice

Acella Pharmaceuticals is partnering with Helene Zahn-Chilberg, MA, LCMHC, to bring greater awareness to the importance of thyroid care and education. This post is sponsored by Acella Pharmaceuticals.

Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional or healthcare provider before beginning any exercise, fitness, diet, or nutrition routine. Acella Pharmaceuticals does not endorse, promote, or sponsor any products or brands mentioned in this article. The views expressed here are those of the author.

Regardless of whether you are just beginning your hypothyroidism journey or are deep into it, these are steps you can take to empower yourself. From self-advocacy, building a support network, to collaborative care, these tips may help you take an active role in managing your thyroid health.

Self-Advocacy

Self-advocacy is a foundational component that increases communication with your healthcare team. Self-advocacy begins with the willingness to educate yourself by asking questions you need answered. It can be helpful to prepare for your appointments with your provider by writing down questions ahead of time so that your appointment is purposeful and meets your needs. Be mindful that most appointments are scheduled for 15-minute to 20-minute blocks.

You can download this discussion guide to help get the conversation started: Download the Discussion Guide>>

Use your time wisely, and be sure to get the information you need. It can be frustrating to leave your provider’s building and remember an important question you forgot to ask. It is also OK to ask for good information resources so that you can learn more between appointments. You may find that your provider appreciates your intent to make the best use of your appointment time.

Here is another resource on self-advocacy that you may find helpful: Tips for Advocating for Yourself with Your Healthcare Provider>>

During your appointment, you can also assess if your current provider is a good fit for you. Are they willing to answer your questions so you can make informed care choices? Would it be beneficial to add a specialist to your healthcare team? These are also good questions to discuss with your primary care provider. You deserve to receive the best care and to seek it out. Self-advocacy is also the willingness to continue to try to find a provider who is the best fit for you.

Building a Support Network

Building a support network includes and goes beyond your healthcare team. It can include people you are close to who want to understand the challenges you are experiencing. It may mean sharing the details of your medical issues with them so they can offer or provide support. It may also include the willingness to stretch your “asking for help” muscles.

When I talk to clients in my office, I often find they need help with the challenge of how to get people to “show up” for them. It may require the willingness to look at the presumptions that we have about others, which are usually based on our past experiences and how those presumptions affect our current situation. If this is an issue for you, it may be helpful to add a mental health care provider to your team for support.

Having the opportunity to talk through some of these issues, learn new skills, and create healthy plans for positive action can support your health outcomes. There are also support groups online and in person in some areas. Some of my clients have said that it was helpful for them to talk with others going through similar health challenges. Talking to others who have common experiences may be beneficial. It can also be a good source of suggestions for helpful interventions and support.

Collaborative Care

Having hypothyroidism requires conventional medical care, but there are additional providers who can be helpful to collaborate with. None of the following suggestions should be considered a replacement for primary medical care.

Having hypothyroidism requires conventional medical care, but there are additional providers who can be helpful to collaborate with. None of the following suggestions should be considered a replacement for primary medical care.

It may be helpful to consult with a dietitian or nutritionist for recommendations for foods that can improve health and those that should be avoided because they can potentially interfere with healthy thyroid function. You may find these resources helpful to get you started:

• How to Choose a Dietitian
• What to Expect When Working with a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

Connecting to relaxation practices such as yoga and meditation may support a healthy mindset and mental health. Taking classes or learning from teachers may help you learn techniques and connect with others.

Taking an Active Role in Managing Thyroid Health

I hope these tips will help you take positive action toward empowering yourself on your health journey. Learning to advocate for yourself with your medical care team so that you can make informed choices is a foundational place to begin. Building your support network enhances your sense of well-being and may help bolster a positive mindset. You may find that adding complementary care helps.

Making a commitment to yourself to seek out, learn, and take action in the areas mentioned above may allow you to feel empowered to create change toward greater health and well-being. As always, I support you and encourage you on your journey. You can do this!

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