A Letter to Loved Ones of Those with Hypothyroidism or Hashimoto's

Living with hypothyroidism or Hashimoto's disease is a journey like no other, filled with unique challenges and needs. As someone who is intimately familiar with navigating this path, I've often found that the support and understanding of our loved ones can make all the difference in the world. We explored this topic in my podcast episode entitled, "Inviting Your Loved Ones to Your Healing Journey." (Thyroid-Healthy Bites, ep. 47) However, conveying the intricacies of life as a thyroid patient to those who haven't experienced it firsthand can be challenging. Even if we're able to get that message across clearly, we're sometimes met with well-meaning but dismissive remarks, like, "Everyone gets tired," or "Just eat less and exercise more," or "I know someone else with hypothyroidism, and they just take a pill and it's no big deal." 

The reality is that we all walk our own thyroid journey. While one patient might be high-functioning, fit, and full of energy, there are others who are barely able to function. Brain fog, weight gain, joint pain, and zombie-like fatigue are very real struggles many of us endure behind a smiling mask, while inside, this "invisible illness" is making every single day feel like an uphill slog. 

Effective treatment, comprehensive testing, and thyroid-friendly food and lifestyle can all help tremendously, but it takes a lot of time, trial, and error to arrive at a place where we feel like our disease is well-managed. I regularly hear from Thrivers Club Members who went years battling debilitating symptoms and being dismissed by their doctors over and over because they had "normal" test results.

Thyroid issues affect every system in the body, and the solutions can be complex to parse out as we become our own human guinea pigs. The struggle is real. The process takes the time it takes. And there's nothing worse when you're battling the symptoms of an invisible illness than being invalidated, dismissed, misunderstood, or even blamed by those you love and care about. 

To bridge this gap, I've crafted a letter to help our family and friends better understand what we go through. This letter, inspired by and written with input from the wonderful Thrivers Club Community, aims to foster empathy, understanding, and support. I hope it resonates with you and provides a helpful resource.

Feel free to copy and paste it, customize it as needed to suit your needs, and share it with your loved ones. I've put certain items in [brackets] for you to fill in with your unique details. You deserve support and understanding, so use this letter to spark a constructive dialogue with those who are close to you about the realities of living with hypothyroidism or Hashimoto's. 

A Letter to Our Loved Ones

Dear [Loved One],

First and foremost, thank you. Thank you for being there, for your unwavering support, and for the love you show me each day. Living with [hypothyroidism/Hashimoto's] can be challenging, not only for me but for those who love and depend on me, and your support makes all the difference.

I'm writing this letter to help you understand my unique health journey a little better. It’s not always easy to explain why I feel the way I feel or why I need to approach my health or my life differently, and I hope this letter will provide some clarity.

Understanding Hypothyroidism and Hashimoto's

Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones, which are crucial for regulating our metabolism, energy levels, and overall health. The thyroid impacts every system in the body, so the effects can be far-reaching, and the list of related symptoms is long. Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system attacks the thyroid gland, which often leads to hypothyroidism. Hashimoto's is, by far, the leading cause of hypothyroidism in developed countries like the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Australia.  

Some of my most common symptoms include [fatigue, weight gain, brain fog, depression, joint pain, etc.] These symptoms can vary widely from person to person, and the solutions that work for one person may not work for another. For me, my symptoms can be better or worse, depending on the day. Various stressors can make a big difference, and some of the things that make my symptoms worse are [lack of sleep, foods I'm sensitive to like gluten/dairy/etc., emotional stress, work stress, long and intense workouts, dehydration, etc.] 

Metabolism and Exercise

One thing to know is that my metabolism works differently because of my thyroid condition. Traditional advice like "just exercise more and eat less" doesn’t work for me the way it used to. Because of the effects on my metabolism, even on medication, I can eat the same and do the same workouts as someone else, and they might lose 10 pounds while I lose nothing. It's frustrating and unfair, but it's a reality for many thyroid patients. Certain workouts may not give me the same benefits they provide to someone else. Strenuous exercise can sometimes do more harm than good, leading to exhaustion, weight gain, and other exercise-induced symptom flares. I've found that I benefit more from activities like [walking, yoga, TaiChi, Qigong, strength training, etc.] which help me stay active without overstressing my body and ending up exhausted, sometimes for days afterward.

Dietary Needs

Diet plays a significant role in managing my condition. I need to avoid foods that can cause inflammation and focus on eating nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory foods. You might notice that I'm avoiding [gluten, dairy, sugar, etc.] or other foods I used to enjoy. These changes have helped reduce inflammation and symptoms. It's hard to have dietary restrictions, but I've learned that they're not worth the price I have to pay afterward. 

Supplements are also a crucial part of my health regimen. They help fill in nutritional gaps and support my overall health. Every supplement I take has been carefully chosen to address specific needs related to thyroid health. 

Importance of Quality Sleep

I've learned that quality sleep is essential. Many of us with thyroid conditions struggle with sleep issues, which can exacerbate our symptoms. Prioritizing sleep helps me manage fatigue, improve my mood, and support my overall health. It makes a big difference in how I feel, so I've made some simple changes, like maintaining a regular sleep schedule, creating a restful environment, and avoiding screens before bed.

Emotional and Mental Health

Living with a chronic condition like hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s can take a toll on our emotional and mental health. We often experience feelings of frustration, anxiety, and even depression. These mental health issues are more common with hypothyroidism or Hashimoto's. Sometimes, despite my best efforts, these feelings can creep in. Your understanding and emotional support during these times are invaluable. Just knowing that you’re there, ready to listen and offer a comforting word, is a big help.

Communication and Support

Open and empathetic communication is key, and I hope to spark an open dialogue about this by sharing this letter with you. I appreciate it when you ask questions about my health and genuinely listen to my responses. It shows that you care and are willing to understand my needs and experiences. Building a support system that includes my healthcare providers, friends, family, and you will help me navigate this journey more easily and effectively.

In Conclusion...

I cannot express enough how much I appreciate your support. I know it's hard to fully understand when you haven't experienced it yourself, but by taking the time to read this and empathize with my unique health journey, you’re helping me manage my condition better and live a healthier, happier life. I'm happy to answer any questions you might have and share resources to help you learn more about hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s disease so we can face this together.

Thank you for being my rock, my cheerleader, and my source of strength. With your support, I know I can thrive, not just survive.

With heartfelt gratitude,

[Your Name] 

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I hope this letter serves as a valuable resource for both you and your loved ones. Understanding and empathy go a long way in supporting those of us with thyroid conditions. Thank you for being part of this journey and this community. Together, we can navigate this path with strength and hope.

Wishing you the best of health, 

You Might Also Like...

• Stories of Hope from Thyroid Thrivers
• Healing Emotional Roadblocks and Root Causes
• How Your Mind Shapes Your Body
• My 5-Step Feel Better Framework
• Inviting Your Loved Ones to Your Healing Journey