When managing chronic illness through diet and lifestyle changes, one thing becomes clear—it’s not just about what you eat but also who stands by you. The journey can feel isolating, but it doesn’t have to be. The right support system can help keep you motivated during the ups and downs, and in this article, we’ll help you find and cultivate that support.
A strong support system, whether it’s friends, family, or an online community, can make all the difference in staying motivated and consistent. In this article, we’ll explore how to communicate your needs, find the right kind of support, stay away from negativity, and ensure your loved ones understand your journey as much as possible.
1. Why Is Emotional Support So Important?
When dealing with the ups and downs of chronic illness, emotional support from your loved ones is invaluable. There will be times when you experience setbacks or feel discouraged, and having someone to turn to for encouragement can help you stay motivated. (Learn all about why setbacks and flare-ups can occur in our article Ups and Downs – The Path to Better Health – 9 Truths You Need To Know here)
Changing your diet or lifestyle without the support of your loved ones is extremely hard. Nevertheless, most people will not have the support of everyone around them. That´s why we need to have a good plan and a map of who to talk to and lean on and who to not get into discussion with or expect support or approval from to help navigate.
We all need emotional support and the feeling that someone believes in us and what we are doing. Our goal is that you will find that, one way or another, by the end of this chapter. Or at least know what steps to take to get there. This is one of the really important parts of you reaching the health goals you want and deserve.
2. Personal Success Story: Lisa’s Journey to Finding the Right Support
Lisa, 35, had been struggling with chronic fatigue and digestive issues for years. After several misdiagnoses, she was finally diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder. Her journey to better health was marked by ups and downs, and she realized quickly that while she could make diet and lifestyle changes, she couldn’t manage her illness alone. She needed support—but figuring out what type of help to ask for was challenging.
Early in her journey, Lisa’s husband, Alex, was eager to help but didn’t know how. He would encourage her to keep pushing through her symptoms, assuming that she needed motivation. But what Lisa really needed was emotional support. One day, she sat Alex down and explained that his words, although well-intentioned, weren’t helping. She needed him to listen and understand how difficult things were, without trying to ‘fix’ it right away. After that conversation, Alex made a conscious effort to check in with Lisa emotionally and provide the encouragement she needed.
In addition, Lisa found that practical support made a huge difference. When her symptoms were particularly bad, standing in the kitchen to prepare food was more than she could handle. Lisa’s sister, a busy mom herself, noticed how worn out Lisa was and decided to start bringing over freezer meals that were tailored to Lisa’s dietary needs. This simple gesture not only made meal prep easier but allowed Lisa to conserve energy for her body to repair.
Lisa’s social life also transformed. Before her diagnosis, she loved going out to eat and spending time with friends at lively events. However, after her diagnosis, she found these activities increasingly difficult. It was her friend group that made the biggest difference here—they adjusted their plans to accommodate Lisa’s energy levels, choosing to meet for quiet dinners at home or even just spend time together watching movies. These small adjustments helped Lisa stay socially connected without feeling overwhelmed.
Through trial and error, Lisa learned that asking for support wasn’t a sign of weakness, but a crucial part of her process to get rid of her symptoms. By clearly expressing her needs, Lisa was able to receive the right kind of help from her loved ones and build a strong support network that helped her regain control of her health.
3. How Can I Best Talk To The People Around Me?
When you’ve decided to take charge of your health by changing your diet and lifestyle, the first step is to explain your goals to those around you. Your family and friends may not fully understand the science behind your choices or why you’re opting for this path, so it’s essential to clearly express your intentions.
Talking to loved ones about your decision can be challenging, but approaching the conversation in the right way can make all the difference. Here are a few tips to help:
- Emphasize that it’s your journey: Explain that this is a personal decision, and while you’re not asking them to change, their understanding and support would mean a lot to you. Some people are offended when we want to change something in our lives because they think that we are at the same time criticizing the foods that they are eating. Make sure to emphasize that this is about you and your own health, and not something you are going to push on anyone else. You simply want to let them know that you need to do this for yourself, and hope for their acceptance or support if possible.
- Explain your “Why”: Share your personal reasons for making this change, focusing on how it’s about improving your health and well-being. Let them know how important this is to you and why you need to make this change.
- Keep it positive: Focus on the benefits you hope to gain, such as more energy, fewer symptoms, and a better quality of life. Avoid making the conversation about what you’re giving up or criticizing their dietary choices.
By calmly and positively expressing your commitment, you can encourage your loved ones to be more understanding and possibly even supportive of your new lifestyle.
If someone says, “Why are you doing this? It sounds extreme,” you can respond with: “I understand it might sound different from what we’re used to, but I’ve done research, and I’m really committed to improving my health through this for a while. At the point I am in my life and health right now, I need and want to do this. I’d love your support or, at the very least, your patience as I do this to get better.”
Let your “Why” include your Heart Goals.
Heart goals are deeply personal aspirations connected to your core values, driving your motivation to improve your health. These goals go beyond symptom relief, focusing on what truly matters to you, like being able to spend more time with loved ones or being able to pursue passions that are important to you.
If you are struggling with acne tell them how this makes you feel both physically and emotionally. The more you can be open about your feelings about it to people who love you, the easier it is for them to understand and support you.
Tip: Explain how chronic illness has impacted your life and why you believe dietary changes could improve your symptoms. You could say, “I’ve been struggling with [specific symptoms] for a long time, and I’ve found that changing my diet might help manage them. I’d really appreciate your support on this journey. Many people have benefited from this, and it’s not harmful. I want to try it for 6 months to a year and then evaluate.” Framing it as a trial period can make it easier for others to accept. Give them time to process the idea, as most people need more information and time to adjust. A little skepticism is natural, and although it might feel tough, it’s not necessarily negative. Ask if they’re open to supporting you, and discuss what kind of support you need. Sometimes, just having their acceptance and avoiding negative comments is enough. If you live together, perhaps you can agree on buying more fruits and vegetables for everyone in the household.
4. How Can I Navigate Shifting Amounts of Support From Friends And Family?
It’s common to have family members who don’t fully understand or believe in the changes you’re making. Some may even be openly against it. But can they at least respect your choices without offering negative comments?
When embarking on a journey to manage or overcome chronic illness through diet and lifestyle changes, the level of support you receive from friends and family can vary widely. Some may not fully understand the changes you’re making, while others might enthusiastically join you. It’s important to recognize the different categories of support that people might fall into and to develop strategies to handle each one. Your goal is to maximize support from those who can help while minimizing exposure to negative influences.
Your biggest supporters are likely to be the people you know who are open, positive towards change, happy to try new meals, and fond of fruits and vegetables already. But other people can also come around over time. Just don´t expect too much and be let down. That´s not what you need when you are already dealing with health struggles. Know that it usually takes time to find the support you need. Here are the categories and how to navigate:
Unsupportive or Negative
These are individuals who don’t believe in or actively discourage your efforts. They might not understand the value of what you’re doing, and their words can be emotionally draining.
- Actively Negative: These people constantly criticize or try to talk you out of your new habits. For example, a family member might say, “That diet won’t work” or “You’re wasting your time.” The key here is to avoid engaging in discussions about your health journey with them. Protect your energy by distancing yourself from their negativity and focusing on the positive changes you’re making. If avoiding them isn’t possible, steer conversations away from your health choices.
- Passive-Aggressive: This group won’t outright oppose you, but they might make sarcastic or dismissive comments. For instance, they may say things like, “I guess we can’t eat anything fun anymore.” While these remarks may seem minor, they can chip away at your confidence. Try not to engage too deeply with these individuals and keep discussions about your health light. In time, their attitude may shift as they see your progress.
Neutral
This category includes people who tolerate your choices but are distant or indifferent. They won’t offer support, but they won’t be actively negative either.
- Neutral (Tolerant but Distant): These individuals may say things like, “If that’s what you want to do, fine, but I don’t care either way.” While they aren’t obstructive, this can leave you feeling isolated. It’s important not to expect support from these people, and instead, limit how much you share about your journey. Over time, as they witness your progress, their attitude might change but don’t count on them as a pillar of support.
Partially Supportive
These individuals are somewhere in the middle—they’re supportive in small ways or occasionally participate in your health journey.
- Respectful (Supportive but Uninvolved): These people respect your decisions but don’t want to actively participate. For example, they might say, “I’m happy you’re doing this for your health, but it’s not for me.” While it might feel lonely at times, their respect is valuable, and you shouldn’t push them to join. Maintain open communication and let them see the benefits of your progress. Over time, their involvement may grow naturally.
- Mildly Supportive (Occasional Engagement): These people occasionally show interest, like eating one of your healthy meals now and then but aren’t fully invested. For example, they might say, “I’ll eat what you’re eating tonight, but I don’t want to do it every day.” While this support might feel small, it’s important to acknowledge it and encourage them to engage more, one step at a time. Their support could grow as they experience the benefits of joining you.
Fully Supportive
These are the people who are emotionally invested in your journey and actively encourage you, even if they aren’t fully adopting your new lifestyle.
- Encouraging (Fully Supportive but Independent): These individuals consistently offer emotional support, even if they don’t participate in your routine. For example, they might say, “I’m proud of how hard you’re working to improve your health. Let me know if there’s anything I can do to support you.” Keep these people close—nurture the relationship by regularly updating them on your progress. Their emotional encouragement can help you through difficult moments.
- Active Engagement (Sharing Some Habits): These people participate in small ways, like joining you for healthy meals or walks. For instance, they might say, “Let’s make a big salad together.” This support can be uplifting and make you feel like you have a partner in your journey. Invite them to engage in more shared activities to deepen their involvement over time.
Eating like this is not something everyone will do. Expect to be doing it by yourself at least in the beginning. Find support where you can, and reach out whenever you need to. <3
If you need more examples of how to handle each category of people and what to expect, read our full article “What Kind of People Do You Have In Your Life and How To Find The Support You Need” here.
5. Can People Move Up On the Support Scale?
Absolutely. It is possible to move the right people up the scale over time. Here are some key insights:
- Take it slow: Don’t expect immediate involvement from people. Some people might come around once they see how dedicated you are and how your health improves over time.
- Demonstrate results: Sharing your progress (without pushing) can inspire others to become more supportive. As they see the benefits, they might become more open to joining your journey. Some, on the other hand, will only be intimidated by this, or even irritated. Leave it then.
- Sharing success stories: Sometimes, the best way to help your loved ones understand your journey is by sharing success stories. When friends and family see real examples of people who have overcome chronic illness with diet and lifestyle changes, they’re more likely to get on board and offer their full support. Some will not believe it, of course, you will notice who is interested and not.
- Choose openness: People who are generally open-minded, fond of fruits and vegetables themselves, and positive toward change have the potential to move up the scale.
- Build on the common ground: Maybe you share some common ground. Focus on that. Maybe you can agree that processed foods are not great, or that banana nice cream is pretty good. Or that you both love organic foods. Take it from there.
- Remember what they believe: Are they into science and research? Maybe scaring an article or telling them about something you read might inspire over time. Don´t overdo it, but sharing small things here and there might help. If they are into the more spiritual or alternative approach, or have another belief, respect that.
- Focus on positivity: Those who already show some level of respect or mild support are most likely to grow into stronger supporters. Keep the conversation positive, and don’t force anyone to participate if they aren’t ready.
This approach allows you to protect your energy while nurturing those relationships that can evolve into deeper sources of support over time.
6. How Can I Set Boundaries and Advocate for Myself?
Not everyone will immediately understand or support your new lifestyle choices, and that’s okay. However, setting boundaries is essential to protect your mental and emotional well-being while you work on improving your health. Clear communication helps others respect your decisions without feeling defensive or misunderstood.
How to Set Boundaries:
- Be Clear and Honest: When setting boundaries, explain exactly what helps and what doesn’t. If someone offers unsolicited advice or criticism, you might say, “I appreciate your concern, but I’ve chosen a path that I believe is best for my health right now. I will do this for a while, and then evaluate. I will let you know if I need your advice.”
- Be Specific About Your Needs: If certain foods or activities are now off-limits for you, kindly ask your family and friends to respect your choices without trying to change your mind. For instance, say, “I’m avoiding gluten for now, and I’d appreciate it if we make an option for me to eat as well in shared meals.”
- Stay Consistent and Kind: Setting boundaries doesn’t mean creating tension. You can firmly stand by your choices while remaining compassionate. Reassure your loved ones that their support matters, and explain how their understanding helps you succeed.
- Self-Care through Boundaries: Remember, boundaries are not about isolating yourself but about protecting your progress. By advocating for what you need, you are prioritizing your well-being and setting the foundation for long-term success.
7. Joining a Supportive Community
While your family and friends can be a great source of support, having access to a community that truly understands your journey can make all the difference. That’s where our membership at Ridgetter.com comes in. By joining, you’ll gain access to personalized support, expert guidance, and motivation designed specifically for managing chronic illness through diet and lifestyle changes.
Why Join Our RidGetter Membership?
- Receive tailored advice and information straight to your inbox, helping you stay on track with your health goals.
- Connect with a supportive community of like-minded individuals who have faced similar challenges and are on the same journey.
- Get access to success stories, motivation, and tips that empower you to keep moving forward, even when things are tough.
Our community is here to remind you that you’re not alone—and with the right support, you can make lasting changes to your health. Sign up today and get the support you need to finally achieve your Heart Goals and get the disease-free body you deserve.
If you feel like you need even more, At Ridgetter, we can also recommend professionals who specialize in supporting people with chronic illnesses through diet and lifestyle changes. Don’t hesitate to reach out!
Ultimately, surrounding yourself with positive, supportive people is essential. Choose to spend time with those who believe in your ability to succeed and who encourage you to keep going.
We are here for you!
We hope that you will get amazing results from the people around you. Over time, that is possible. Until then, we are dedicated to helping you take control of your health through diet and lifestyle changes, backed by real success stories and proven methods. Our membership provides you with the tools, personalized support, and motivation you need to stay on track.
You deserve a community that believes in you and lifts you up.
Join us today and discover the power of a supportive network that will empower you every step of the way.
Let’s work together to help you get rid of your chronic symptoms for good!
