How 'Parts Work' Pulled Out Lucy from 3 Year-Long Covid

[@theopenmindtherapist]

I have worked with CFS for many years. I see a subconscious anxiety loop in almost all cases: I'm anxious and I need to prove myself, this constant pressure causes adrenal fatigue, then I get anxious I can't do things, I overload my adrenals, then I get fatigued, then I get anxious and so on. Unacceptable emotions get buried deep in the psyche but they still direct our conscious experience. These emotions get buried because, benignly or otherwise, our emotions were not acceptable to our parents/carers. It's a breath of fresh air to see you giving air time to this subtle mind body connection. For so many years, the CFS 'community' have been hugely insulted by the idea that there is a mind body interplay as though our mind and body are completely separate. The problem is, the CFS symptomatology, does not fit into the simplistic and materialist modern medical model. Healing from CFS opens so many doors for us and stimulates curiosity about what is being left out of our medical system. If we can see ourselves post CFS as an integrated soul, mind, body and spirit, we have healed, not just CFS, but a nagging, gnawing dis-ease that lies beneath.

[@revelation12_1]

I think it’s sometimes personality traits that become barriers to healing. You can’t just tell people who are driven and have a need to have answers or resolution in order to be less anxious not to be that way. This is the first biggest barrier convincing people that the things and ways of operating in the past will not carry them into the future. For some it creates an identity crisis or a feeling of not being good enough or ok the way you are.

[@sheilawojciechowski8928]

So well said. This is exactly what I am dealing with and I don’t know how to change this trait, while also being so sick.

[@revelation12_1]

@@sheilawojciechowski8928 I truly believe there is a reason for where you are at this moment. Just take it day to day and trust in the process. Doors will open up, you will see. God bless you.

[@sheilawojciechowski8928]

@@revelation12_1 thank you 🙏🏼

[@eviemorgs]

It’s these trauma responses and coping mechanisms that make us sick, so in order to heal we have to take responsibility and believe we are capable of change and healing with a self compassionate approach

[@francinesanchez5402]

I think it’s challenging me to do life in a new way. So, I’m a way this gives me piece that this is something I needed to learn in life and my kids will benefit from me knowing and passing on.

[@spruceysarah]

Thanks so much to Lucy and Raelan for taking the time to do this interview! I agree Lucy did a beautiful job of communicating how those early days of symptoms (and symptom denial/push-through) play out for so many of us. When I look back now at how much I tried to push though it seems absolutely bonkers, but at the time it was just a natural attempt to get back to my life. I also really appreciate that Lucy walked through her method of deescalating negative response to symptoms step-by-step. I feel like every time I hear a new approach to this I gain a little more insight into what might work best for me. So glad to see Lucy feeling better 🤍

[@RaelanAgle]

I'm so glad that the interviews are helping you on your recovery journey, Sarah! ❤️

[@janswimwild]

Thank you for this, such a gentle intelligent approach. I’m 25 years into my MECFS diagnosis and by now I am probably 80% recovered, from at one stage being bed bound and with severe bouts of labyrinthitis as well as the ongoing inflammation, pain and fatigue. It is only since my divorce that I have come to realise that my illness was significantly linked to an immune system shattered by C-PTSD. Reading The Body Keeps the Score helped enormously, as did Gabor Mate’s work. I had no idea that this was deeply rooted in childhood. In the early days I would dissociate to protect myself but that wasn’t always possible and as I got older my body starting to react (to protect me) with illness and even injury. Overwhelm became a regular pattern in my life, I was a deeply ingrained people pleaser and problem solver. My body’s answer to the exhaustion and overwhelm was illness, mostly swollen glands, hyper flexibility and painful joints, vertigo, and even accidents like falling over or spraining an ankle. In recent years I have finally faced and acknowledged the fear and how it impacts me. Fear of external demands because I had never been boundaried and gave too much to others, fear of symptoms feeling I would take a long time to recover, fear of ‘overdoing it’ and getting sick. The list goes on. Noticing almost a click in my body when I reach overwhelm, and the link with swollen glands and the domino pattern of decent into symptoms. Now I cold water dip every day, wild swim as often as I can, walk my dog every day .I started weight training a month before my 70th birthday (It’s never too late). Some days I am full of self doubt but the more I navigate through the doubt and fear the better I feel. I still pace, I use boundaries with myself to not over do, and with others to stop emotional encroachment. It’s not always popular but I need it, and that’s what matters. Thank you both, it helps to receive new information and perspective and to get validation for my chosen healing route.

[@RaelanAgle]

Thanks so much for sharing your journey, Jan ❤️ The insights from your recovery story are beyond incredible. It would be amazing having you as a guest on the channel! Wishing you the best and back to 100% health! 💪

[@arieltai23]

Your story is just like mine except I’m 39 and still struggling a ton with long covid but I was sick before. Gabor Maté is my hero.

[@miezeken]

Same here. Gabor Mate, body keeps the score, and now Parts therapy. I’m recovering quite fast now

[@Mrfreshtollgate]

There really is a consistent theme to recovery- a change in how we relate to our symptoms. This was key to me recovering 95% after 14months with long covid. Still waiting on the last 5% to dissipate. I am not worried, staying patient, and grateful for channels like yours, Raelan, because I believe it’s not just the message but how you convey it that resonates with so many.

[@TimMurphy41]

The part about symptom mindset was *_pure gold._*

[@underachievingoverachiever]

Great story! I'm another advocate of this approach- A combination of Sarno's approach/brain training, IFS, and beliefs work is how I'm recovering. Still have a way to go but have gone from being bedbound to being able to be out and about all day in about 9 months.

[@oriana79]

wow, that's really amazing!! 😊 very encouraging to hear!

[@lovelymeidiland7803]

Wow :) what exactly helped you? I would be happy for a reply 😊

[@underachievingoverachiever]

@lovelymeidiland7803 honestly the biggest thing was learning that my symptoms were not actually harming me, it was just my brain doing what it could to keep me safe from perceived dangers. They removed a lot of the fear and allowed me to push through more. I then had to work on breaking down the beliefs that were fuelling this cycle (e.g. that I wasn't enough) and gradually learning to sit with uncomfortable emotions more and more. I had a lot of early success with DNRS and then added TMS approach and somatics on top

[@baileystruss7319]

Thank you this. It truly is a quicksand illness and so much trial and error when no energy for anything.

[@tedwardtre4318]

Amazing video. I just bought a book on IFS and I’m very excited to read it now! I had M.E for 5 years and I do still struggle now at times but I am living a relatively healthy life so I am grateful for that. Recently I got covid and it felt as if all the symptoms flooded back but instead of panicking, I just viewed them and I’m nearly there again with feeling fully better. Thank you Lucy for sharing your story 🎉

[@RaelanAgle]

So happy that you found it helpful, Tedward ❤️

[@wzupppp]

How did you recover? Was it just time?

[@tedwardtre4318]

@@wzupppp Do practical things like eating well and getting good quality sleep and accept it. It sounds counter intuitive but give your body a break and shift your focus gently and consistently into a mindset that supports your recovery. Videos like these are perfect at shifting you every day in the right direction and in the meantime, put what Raelan and her guests say into practice. You got this!

[@J-xy6eb]

Raelan your videos are like medicine to me. I’m having a bad flare up today after doing too much for new year and after watching this I can feel my system calming already. Looking forward to looking at Lucy’s channel too. Happy new year to you both! 💕

[@RaelanAgle]

All the best to you, Jo! ❤️

[@Nate-kt9rs]

God bless you both and your recovery. Thanks for sharing. I'm still working through long-covid and I appreciate your encouragement.

[@Skyrunner2]

Very much so! IFS parts work is helping me a lot in my healing. I find it to be a very soothing and self compassionate approach. It's also helping me in working with the trauma piece. As these parts that hold trauma are often younger parts of ourselves and need the love, care and compassion from me Now, that they didn't have then. Consistency is key in this process. ❤❤❤

[@yumzsid]

I liked Lucy's approach was different than doing a brain retratining program, even though the parts work could be considered a type of changing the brains inner working. Congress on getting your life and health back Lucy!

[@kimspirit6510]

Thank you as I’m still in the proces of recovering and christmas and new years was a lot of stress now my body is relaxing more

[@vhink311]

This was a great story!! Thank you Lucy for sharing! Did you get any relief from your SIBO protocol? Was it helpful to do the antimicrobials or mostly the IFS work? Thanks again!

[@rainjscott]

I was talking notes during this one. And put Dr Sarno’s book on hold in the library. Thank you!

[@Bepike]

I so appreciate all the recovery videos you've done and continue to do, Raelan. Thank you!

[@clementg8398]

Thank so much to both of you for this fantastic interview and your energy. I connect a lot with lucy story. It gives me so much hope and confidence in this long and difficult process to keep going, trust myself and my body, be compassionate with me and pay attention to my emotions!

[@piersmckechnie1379]

Can’t thank you enough for these videos. You are doing gods work

[@viviennebedford6280]

Well done Lucy and well said xx great to see you here xx

[@tabea2783]

Great talk, such an aware and well-spoken Person, Lucy! Will definitely check out her content.

[@RaelanAgle]

Wonderful! 🧡 🧡

[@AnrupB]

IFS has been a part of my recovery too ❤ Really helpful for one of the many traumatic experiences I never addressed before.

[@katieemmaw2001]

Great interview, thanks Raelan and Lucy😊❤️

[@drala108]

I'm so glad you are feeling better now. I'm still struggling so I understand what you went through ❤

[@julieshannon7343]

Love this so much, thank you both. We have much to learn regarding the connection between the mind and body. The body is the "marker of truth".

[@simonthompson4798]

Really appreciate all of these interviews Raelan. One thing that I notice among many people who recover from chronic illness is they tend to over-emphasize the importance of one single thing. When dealing with chronic illness, we don't always notice the positive effects of many of the treatments / supplements / modalities until there is enough of the "weight" lifted, and then the final things we do seem to "help the most" and are given too much credit.

[@skyval7926]

Yes I've also noticed that .. there's no doubt that high quality supplements and nutrient dense organic foods are extremely helpful but people do just what you already said . So frustrating . I have a loved one who is dealing with this , so painful to watch .

[@beckygee1233]

Thanks!

[@RaelanAgle]

Much appreciated, Becky! ❤️

[@reasonmattersmost]

I applaud you for having this channel and the guest for sharing their story. I do think it is a net positive as far as what you are providing for those of us who suffer chronically. That said, do you ever consider that there is also some negative that comes along with all this? It is possible that many of us will never get better and are suffering from more than a mind body disconnect. Granted a lot of that is due to having other health issues that Long COVID has just made worse. But so many of us have done the rounds and had so many doctors try to tell us this is a mental health issue. As someone who has truly balanced my mental health and diet and sleep and seen no improvements and only gotten worse, I cringe whenever I watch a video where the solution is mental health treatment. Not because that was not the case with them. (Which is wonderful.) But because it gaslights everyone else who may be suffering from physical health symptoms that are unrelated to Freudian theory. Often, a body is broken beyond repair. Or, at least it will take a long time to get it fixed. I mean 150 stories out of 9 million people (LC in the USA alone) is not a trend. It is an outlier. Some videos about managing longer term experiences when recovery might not be as accessible might be helpful for some.

[@RebeccaMaff]

Lucy’s story sounds exactly like mine. I had a post viral illness in 2018 before long COVID and it happened to me during graduate school when I was extremely stressed out.

[@francinesanchez5402]

I really related to the pressure piece. I am a single mom and I didn’t know what would happen if I didn’t get it together. Pressure was like a 15/10. I felt sooo guilty for letting down people at work and was in absolute denial that I couldn’t push through it. I felt it was a mental failing. Part of my identity was pushing through things…. So I didn’t even know who I was if I couldn’t do that and take care of my kids. My mom stepped in and helped financially as she realized for some reason I just wasn’t able to. But she also was in denial. Neither of us really understood. I remember once I had the thought, “what if I am dying?” Why do I think I’m better than anyone else that I couldn’t get sick or die young. And if I was dying, didn’t I want to do it with grace?” It put everything in perspective. It took me a long time to figure out that doing less was going to be helpful. Every single time my mom gave me money, I felt like the biggest failure in the world. I’m not out of the woods, but I’m back at work. I set up a full work schedule a few months ago and was ready to be back on track. Only to have a flair up that lasted weeks and made me have to step back at work. It was so hard. I hate disappointing people. And my work is appointment based. Every cancellation felt like a failure. Apparently, I really had a hard time not equating poor health with a moral failing (for sole reason). Either way, I’m trying to get my body to trust me again. These videos are so helpful. I’ve been slowly going through them and implementing different pieces. I’m going to try to work more again soon and need to remind myself that I’m doing things in a new way.

[@francinesanchez5402]

All of this is just so helpful. I love how you ask for specific examples and all compassionate and gentle self talk. I… needed that reminder again.

[@karmenashikian2479]

Hi I live what you are doing this is all so inspirational. Can you please have ppl go into a bit more detail on what they did to recover. For instance if they did certain exercises. How they started how they increased.. thanks!!

[@nickijones707]

This is so helpful to me. Thank you for sharing.

[@hemmamistry6563]

Thank you so much for this inspiring and hopeful video. I'm on my long Covid recovery journey and your videos are incredibly helpful ❤ Love to all who are also on a journey of healing

[@Wds__99]

I personally think that the mind-body approach works to get you from 80% to 100%. But I'm not sure it works from 0-80%.And if she was running, she was likley on her way anyway.

[@myotherusername9224]

I have no patience for podcasts, I need an outline with references. Too much fluff and irrelevant digression. She was running, like regular exercise ? If you can run, you're not very sick with ME/CFS

[@jeansmyth7474]

I found as. Someone who helped to run ME support group that most people recovered although this may take several years no matter what approach they took and then said this was due to wha ever they had been doing prior to their recovery. I found attention to diet helped almost everyone sometimes playing big part. No supplement stood out as game changer though helpful. But few did not improve with time lot making full recovery gradually. Don’t loose ❤️

[@RaelanAgle]

​@@myotherusername9224 We have a weekly newsletter with a bullet point summary of each new interview!

[@myotherusername9224]

@@RaelanAgle excellent, thank you

[@myotherusername9224]

@@RaelanAgle I didn't want to sign up for skillshare @ $99/year

[@alexandrecouture2462]

Thank you!

[@annieeefotho]

Hi Raelan, have any of your guests who have gotten better had swollen lymph nodes as a symptom? Xx thank ms for your vids!

[@puremaledark8305]

I have long covid. I think IFS and mindfulness helps take you out of the fight or flight mode.

[@caitlin7325]

Hi Lucy, thank you so much. May l ask, did your gut issues, SIBO, food intolerances heal spontaneously, or did you consciously apply mind-body approach to them? 🙏🙏💛

[@truthreigns369]

I was ill for years from a vaccine injury. And covid just made me regress. I prayed and asked God why I was not moving forward and it was emotional, spiritual, aSpirit, soul and body. Parasites are a huge issue! Especially if you are having chronic fatigue. Gut issues. A inhaler steroids finally helped me get a bit of energy.

[@briechilli4496]

I love Lucy ❤

[@B3l0v3d05]

Yes. Being in bed for weeks and months at a time, people don't understand. And I have two years in my current home then no idea where I'll go. Husband wants a divorce and so there is major pressure to get better

[@lilmac-sh1xd]

Did she have gi issues? I've been long covid for three years and currently my stomach is a disaster with terrible pain .

[@RaelanAgle]

✅ STRUGGLING THROUGH LONG VIDEOS? Get weekly bullet point summaries straight to your inbox! Short, sweet, and designed for your energy envelope. mailchi.mp/3bd95045319b/raelan-agle

[@GK-8]

❤ I was wondering the book Lucy used for internal therapy systems that explained the parts?

[@caitlin7325]

From watching a previous video of Lucy's l believe it is called 'No bad Parts' from memory.

[@GK-8]

@@caitlin7325 Ty!!!

[@jeansmyth7474]

My 24year old son has ME. It is hard to believe this is not a purely physical illness as he went from being an energetic happy student to being completely bed ridden overnight and remains so after 4 years. He had little pressure in his life and had just got his degree.

[@mariapalacio8570]

it is pretty hard to believe at first, but once you understand it is a nervous system dysregulation problem and it can be reversed, everything will make sense. Some of us are born with dysregulated NS and it takes little pressure/stress to tip over. There is a los of neuroscience to back up this approach now, and a lot of us have recovered/are recovering with these approaches.

[@jeansmyth7474]

O.K. Where should we start.

[@ayianaarthur2551]

It IS a purely physical illness. Very rarely some people get better from the physical illness but are still in the 'sick' mindset and those people can benefit from this kind of thing but most are still physically ill and will be harmed if they push themselves. No amount of positive thinking will make them better until whatever physical illness they have is resolved. Please do not watch KZbin videos and then go to your son and tell him it's all in his head, that will harm him immeasurably.

[@jeansmyth7474]

@@ayianaarthur2551 Thank you for reply. I have never came across an illness with such a controversial debate between physical/psychological causation. Have these people who say they were cured by changing their mindset actually had ME in first place. We badly need a diagnostic test to set a definitive recovery plan. My experience as a parent is that most patients make slow recovery over time and this seems to be spontaneous separate from any supplement or mantra.

[@Yentl-gx2cm]

⁠​⁠​⁠@@ayianaarthur2551they did not say it’s all in your head or that you have to push yourself. It’s in the nervous system, it’s a dysregulation that’s comes from the virus. But it’s reversible! That’s the message they want to give. It’s not psychic but physiological you can not get better with positive thinking but with regulation of your nervous system. Although positive thinking helps with that.

[@frankkashner64]

Dr John Sarno - Healing the Back - changed my life, from as many as 10 major lower back episodes per year, sometimes lasting up to 2 weeks, to, after reading his book, maybe 2 per year lasting only a couple of days, tops. And Wim Hof!

[@max-cs9ko]

NARM therapy is also helpful

[@rupinderh01]

If your parents have caused your childhhood traumas even if its emotional neglect, its not a good idea to live with them if possible.

[@beckygee1233]

I have been wondering about methods like IFS as a starting place for calming the nervous system for those with childhood trauma. Thank you for sharing. I would love to see more about the various psychological methods to heal from childhood trauma. Like CBT, IFS, and all those other acronyms for therapies. For my ill husband, I wonder if brain training specific to the illness is the place to start, or a psych method.

[@sharonw2008]

I had proper therapy with a qualified trauma therapist which helped me immensely. It doesn't matter what you read or watch, if you don't do the internal work in yourself nothing will work. Good luck xx

[@karmenashikian2479]

So is she saying she pushed herself instead of pacing?

[@lindascott7644]

❤❤

[@myotherusername9224]

Lovely and tHank you but all your videos are much too long winded Please get to the point and tell us what actions we can take This is the same problem with content creators everywhere. We're swamped with content Brevity is the soul of wit

[@TimMurphy41]

LDN energy 100% feels artificial.