Best Instagram Accounts for Chronic Illness

When you're dealing with chronic fatigue, chronic pain, or other less-than-pleasant symptoms, feelings of isolation can pop up quickly.  For this, social media can be a powerful tool to help connect with others going through similar experiences and feel part of a community, whether you're needing some inspiration, a good laugh, or a place to vent.  We've put together a list of some of our favourite chronic illness Instagram accounts to follow. If mental health issues are also something you deal with, be sure to also check out our post Best Mental Health Instagram Accounts for more suggestions of accounts to follow.

A little arrogant today

@classy.fighter

Classy Fighter is a feed that is full of quotes and relatable words.  You'll find inspiration quotes, pics that'll make you nod your head in agreement, as well as a few that'll make you laugh.

Sometimes I have to remind myself that couch yoga still counts as yoga! I may not be able to do sun salutations right now, but that's okay. Whatever we are capable of doing is worth doing 🤗 Even gentle movement comes with powerful benefits like reducing stress, pain and fatigue, and preventing muscle wasting. ⠀⠀ If you'd like to try some couch yoga, tap the link in my bio! I've got some guided couch yoga practices bundled with a few others that I know you will LOVE

@sleepysantosha

Rachel, the creator behind Sleepy Santosha, deals with Addison's Disease herself.  As a yoga teacher, she was surprised to discover that many of the yoga video designed for people living with chronic illnesses were far too strenuous, so she launched Sleepy Santosha to share yoga that supported what a spoonie goes through. While you can access a number of free videos on her YouTube channel like chair yoga, yoga you can do in bed, and yoga for specific issues like joint paint, her Instagram account shines in that she hosts many Yoga for Spoonies challenges you can be a part of.

Making #water interesting And also helping with that nausea. Ginger, honey & lemon with soda water or filtered water depending on how what you prefer ☺️

@living_with_endometriosis

Natalie is the creator of The Endometreosis Coalition, which fights for awareness, education, and research funding for endometriosis.  On her personal feed, she shares her daily experience in living with endometriosis, including encouragement, yummy and nourishing food ideas, and more.

Treating cold and flu symptoms without resorting to NSAIDs can be tricky. But there are plenty of natural and effective ways to do it! ⠀ ⠀ Over on the blog, Mickey is sharing her tried-and-true advice for getting ahead of a winer cold, or reducing the severity if you're already fighting one. ⠀ ⠀ In the meantime, here are a few quick remedies:⠀ ☕️ Bone Broth (drink a warm mug with some sea salt, or use in soups and stews)⠀ ☕️ Fat Soluble Vitamins A and D (found in FCLO and organ meats like liver)⠀ ☕️ Probiotics⠀ ☕️ Fermented Foods⠀ ☕️ Vitamin D (either in supplement form or from responsible sun exposure, if possible during where you live)⠀ ☕️ Zinc⠀ ☕️ Vitamin C⠀ ☕️ Garlic (especially raw)⠀ ☕️ Ginger (especially raw)⠀ ⠀ Click the link in our profile for more natural remedies and lifestyle tips. Feel better! 🤒

@autoimmunepaleo

Founded by Mickey Trescott and Angie Alt, Autoimmune Paleo is all about living your best life with autoimmune disease.  If you're already following an autoimmune paleo diet or looking to learn more about it, their Instagram account (and website!) is a great resource for amazing recipes and AIP lifestyle tips. They also have regular weekly Instagram takeovers from other accounts, which helps feature even more awesome recipes and ideas, as well as further builds the community and helps you discover new accounts to follow.

For those of us with chronic illnesses, wearing a new set of pajamas or a new sweatshirt and yoga pants is like wearing a new gown!️ Not as glamorous, but certainly just as exciting! Can you relate?! What is your favorite place to buy comfy clothes for your roughest of days?! BTW! THANK YOU FOR ALL THE SUPPORT! I'm so thankful for all of you! And for those who are new here, WELCOME!! I hope you enjoy this page!!️Feel free to share! Don't forget to tag @chronicillnessmemes. . . . . . . . #chronicillnessmemes #chronicillness #chronicpain #awareness #invisibleillness #advocate #endo #crohns #ibd #scoliosis #arthritis #sickness #health #humor #flares #POTS #endometriosis #chronicmigraines #fibro #symptoms #endosisters #raredisease #GI #pajamas #beautyandthebeast #disney

@chronicillnessmemes

For when nothing gets you quite like a good meme, Chronic Illness Memes is one to follow.  Their memes are refreshingly relatable, and feature plenty of cute Disney and cartoon characters.

T H I S

@strongerthanpots

Sarah is a spoonie who is living with Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), but her feed is beneficial for anyone dealing with chronic illness. She regularly includes positive, inspirational, or funny quotes, as well as a look into her daily life, struggles, positive experiences, and plenty of pics of her cute dog, Fozzy!

How I reconnected with my liveliness to rediscover my why: Realize that I've put myself under a lot of pressure. I wanted to reach my goals no matter what, so I've been a little harsh with myself. Accept what is. Forgive yourself for all the stress you've put on yourself. It happens to the best of us. Just know that you don't have to feel stressed and tired all the time. There's another way, which you will take from now on. Relax. You can even meditate if you like. Put yourself in a state of mind where you can focus your creativity on the task at hand: writing your collections list. Write down all the things that would make you happy right now. Write down the experiences you want to have, the big and the small. Write down little pieces of life that you want to create for yourself. This list doesn't have to be complete. It's supposed to give you an idea of the joys you could allow yourself to have and the things you believe make life worth living. Read your to-live list out loud. How does it make you feel? Do you get excited? Does it make you smile and give you a warm, tingly feeling in your belly? If yes, then it has fulfilled its purpose: to make you feel alive again. Think about the goals you have been working toward. Do they fit into the snippets of life you've just envisioned for yourself? If not, can you change them to fit your dreams and needs? Take your time to plan how you can make your dreams a reality. Some points may be easy to cross off your list, like munching your favorite cookies while watching an open fire. Others, like "do work I care about" might take longer to realize. Those are the dreams you want to have a plan for. Revisit your list often, especially when you feel like you've lost your direction. It will give you the focus you need to reconnect with your why and make your dreams a reality. The collections list is supposed to help you feel more alive and get you all fired up, both about your goals and dreams, and the everyday joys you can experience.

@aliceinwondrland

After being diagnosed with Hashimoto's Disease, Alice set out to improve how she felt through healing foods, mindful movement, and mindfulness practices.  On her Instagram, she shares her journey as well as encouraging words of self-love, self-empowerment, and learning to listen to your body.

☕️My feelings towards my relationship with coffee summed up in one word ...UGH! If you're sitting there asking yourself "how many times can one girl whine about not being able to drink coffee?" The answer is ALOT!! Why can something so delicious not love me back?! 🤷‍♀️ UNTIL I️ discovered I️ have options. Okay, okay...they're not *exactly* like coffee, but they give you a hot earthy drink experience in the morning and they are delicious. So that's above and beyond what I️ can ask of them. Curious what my favorite alternatives are?! Click the link in my bio for my latest blog post

@colitiscopenutrition

Holly, the creator of Colitis Cope Nutrition, is a registered dietitian to-be as well as a certified personal trainer, who also deals with ulcerative colitis. On her feed you'll find tips for improving your gut health catered to those living with IBD as well as Holly's love for fitness and staying active. 

Right??? Have you experienced this? You are feeling totally happy about something you've created, accomplished, or embodied and then you walk down the street, open your Instagram, or look at your friends and you're no longer satisfied with what you've done. It doesn't feel like 'enough.' Say it with me: I am more than enough. I will not compare myself to others. We are all on our own unique journey. . Let yourself feel perfect just as you are today!! ‍♀️ . . . . . #autoimmunetribe #autoimmunedisease #chronicillness #spiritjunkie #aiplifestyle #whole30 #aippaleo #aipdiet #fibromyalgia #multiplesclerosis #doterra #theuniversehasyourback #spiritualjourney #leakygut #paleo #autoimmuneprotocol #empath #celiac #hashimotos #thyroiddisease #adrenalfatigue #modernmystic #crystalhealer #SAHM #magic #lawofattraction #HPAaxis #abrahamhicks #anxiety #bodylove

@autoimmunetribe

Sarah Small is the creator behind Autoimmune Tribe, a community that is designed to connect women living with autoimmune disease in their healing journey.  The Autoimmune Tribe Instagram feed really focuses on improving the mind, body, and soul. Expect posts about holistic healing, essential oils, book suggestions, and spiritual encouragement.

I want to live a meaningful life. - One that keeps me true. Loyal to my wildest/bravest inclinations. - One that keeps me grounded. Taking all moments as they come - good, bad (and downright cruel), and finding the lessons throughout. Weathering the coming storms, despite their severity - and the frequent turbulence that, at times, seems to never end. And in that pain, finding purpose. - One that keeps me hungry. Fearlessly following what makes me feel most alive. Chasing what quells the pain and replaces it with gratitude. And finding a clarity that can only come from speaking and living my truth - as honestly and openly as I can. - One that keeps me more than. Acknowledging my limitations, and then challenging them. Finding lines, and then moving them. Because I don't want good enough to ever be enough. #morethanlyme - (words and photo by @elliexplores)

@morethanlyme

Whether you're dealing with lyme or another chronic illness, More Than Lyme is a great Instagram account to follow.  The feed focuses on being more than your diagnosis, and shares stories of individuals living well with Lyme and going on plenty of adventures!

Winter Essentials #whatsinmymedicinecabinet #kickingsick #glowwarrior

@_amykurtz

Author of "Kicking Sick", Amy Kurtz is a holistic health coach and wellness expert. Her feed is filled with empowering quotes and emotional support, as well as a peek into the strategies she encorporates into her daily life.

My pain is not a choice. My pain is not an excuse to be lazy. My pain is not a lie. My pain is not a manipulation so people feel sorry for me. My pain is real, and awful, and devastating. Yeah, it's one of those days. I can't cope. #spoonie #spoonielife #chronicpain #chronicillness #arthritis #ddd #fibromyalgia #flare #pain #thursday #chronicloveclub #anxiety #depression #invisibleillness

@chronically_courtney

Courtney is a chronic illness warrior who regularly shares a peek into her life.  One of the best parts of her account is her quotes, which include real words about dealing with chronic pain, encouragement, and comfort.

SERIES // IF YOUR BODY COULD TALK // If your body could talk, this is what it would tell you.

@empoweredsustenance

After being diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis, Lauren set out to heal her symptoms through real food.  Now a nutritional therapy practitioner, she shares steps to empower others dealing with chronic illness to feel better.  On her feed, she shares encouraging quotes, grain-free recipes, her favourite non-toxic products, and more.