#012: The Trauma of Chronic Illness and How Does Privilege Help Us Move Through the World Easier? with Anna Sweeney

Anna Sweeney, a Certified Eating Disorder Registered Dietitian and Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor joins Nia Patterson for a talk about chronic illness and privilege. This week on the twelfth episode of the podcast we talk about Anna's experience growing up with developing Multiple Sclerosis (MS) since the age of 12 and how that has caused physical trauma and mental trauma to her body. She also talks about the privilege she benefits from in her body and how that has lessened the trauma she has endured from her MS. She talks about her drive to complete undergrad in 2.5 years and why she became and eating disorder dietitian. We also talk about how she stops the negative thought spiral in her head. We then move on to talk about the civil rights movement in the world right now, racism, anti-racism, allyship, and White privilege. Join us as we talk about privilege, chronic illness, and stopping negative thoughts. *Please note this episode was recorded in June after the amplify melanated voices challenge.

Anna Sweeney, MS, RD, LDN, CEDRD-S is a Certified Eating Disorder Registered Dietitian and Supervisor, Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor and owner of Whole Life Nutrition Counseling, a weight inclusive nutrition therapy practice dedicated to the thoughtful treatment of eating disorders, disordered eating, and body image concerns. Anna practices nutrition care from a Health at Every Size lens, is dedicated to empowering her clients to notice and refute the influence of diet culture in their lives, and understands that nutrition and interaction with food is both unique and personal. Anna is also a full-time disabled person and uses her lived experience to enhance the work she does. You can find Anna at @dietitiananna on Instagram.

Check out Nia on Instagram over @thefriendineverwanted and @bodytraumapod You can also find her blogging at thefriendineverwanted.com and you can support the podcast on Patreon at patreon.com/thefriendineverwanted. Remember, if you have a question about this podcast or want to share your thoughts please email us at bodytraumapod@gmail.com