Resilience Me is a mental health campaign by the Vasculitis Foundation in collaboration with Dr. Velma Mockett and the Calgary Vasculitis Association to support the mental health and well-being of those living with vasculitis. Living with vasculitis can be difficult for anyone. This condition can place substantial physical and emotional strains on those living with it.

Now, COVID-19 is adding to our present stress, which impacts us on many levels in terms of medical and physical health, and emotional and mental health. An increasingly important aspect of the COVID-19 pandemic is how the pandemic impacts our mental health, overall well-being, and how we cope with the pandemic, especially as it continues on for a longer period than we may have anticipated or hoped. Inspired by Dr. Mockett’s own experiences of working to gain an advantage over vasculitis, Resilience Me will provide the tools to help you work through the mental health challenges, strengthen your resilience capacities, build a management plan with your healthcare provider, and take a more active role in your care.

Receiving the diagnosis of vasculitis is an overwhelming experience for anyone. Vasculitis changes the plot—it throws the body and mind for a loop. There has been an increasing recognition by many patients with vasculitis that their quality of life and mental well-being is also impacted. However, discussion about vasculitis and mental health has been scarce in both the medical and research context. Many individuals with vasculitis report struggling to cope.  This workshop series will explore vasculitis and mental well-being. In this five-part series you will learn about loss and grief, emotions, resilience, mindfulness and restorative movement, and over all well-being.

Week 2: April 23, 2021: Emotions & Emotion Regulation

The emotional dimensions of vasculitis are often overlooked when medical care is considered. Many patients with vasculitis often have to adjust their aspirations, lifestyle, and employment. Many grieve about their predicament before adjusting to it. But others have protracted distress and may develop depression and anxiety. In fact, depressive manifestation is common in individuals with vasculitis and adds significant burden upon patients suffering from the disease.  Psychosocial factors, long periods of disablement and chronic pain, fatigue are common.

This session will explore:

• Emotions typically experienced
• The nature of emotions
• The language of emotions
• Ways to regulate emotions
• Stories of emotional experience

Note: We can use diagrams such as the one Dr. Mockett showed in the earlier presentation and other ways to make this interactive.

Registration fee:  $35 per session (Canadian). 

Click here to register.