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 3: Friday, May 7, 2021: Resilience

Self‐care and patients’ own efforts are particularly important in managing vasculitis. Because of the demands of continuous self‐care, patients with vasculitis often experience repetitive psychological stress, and reduced confidence. In recognition of vulnerability that most patient feel, this session will focus on helping individuals with vasculitis improve their quality of life (QoL) as well as promote positive adaptation.

The session will explore:

• Strengths
• Attitude
• Thinking
• Optimism
• Quality of life
• Coping
• Ways to enhance/build resilience capacities

Note: We can use different chronic illness quality of life surveys. Explore thinking traps, focus on what one can control – control circle, etc.

Registration fee: $35 per session (Canadian). 

Click here to register.