Episode transcript and more information at: https://bit.ly/AIBD184 Amber talks with Aaron Blocker, a Crohn’s disease patient and advocate, about the importance of finding and creating community for people touched by IBD. Online and in-person groups offer support and serve as platforms to share practical tips and counter misinformation. Aaron points out that it’s important to find a balance between advocacy, health, and personal life when offering support to others. Both emphasize the value of authenticity and learning from mistakes. The conversation stresses the importance of caring for mental health, the power of connection, and staying true to one’s own reasons for taking part in community. Topics discussed on this episode:

• Importance of community for people living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• Challenges and rewards of sharing disease experiences online
• Navigating negative comments and misinformation in online communities
• Strategies for engaging with IBD communities and providing support
• Balancing community involvement with personal health and family life
• Mental health considerations when participating in online discussions
• Importance of authenticity and passion in advocacy work
• Addressing misinformation and promoting accurate health information within the community

Chapters:

• 0:05 Intro & Sponsor
• 1:23 Aaron’s Background & Group Origin
• 5:30 Power of Community
• 8:08 Support in Community
• 11:44 Getting Involved in IBD Communities
• 15:16 Before Sharing Online
• 16:15 Motivation & Authenticity
• 19:10 Combating Misinformation
• 25:20 Boundaries & Balance
• 31:52 Mental Health & Selective Sharing
• 34:55 Handling Criticism & Mistakes
• 38:11 Referring Out & Collaboration
• 39:18 Responding to Criticism
• 40:13 Aaron’s Socials & Closing
• 41:53 Outro & Credits

Find Aaron Blocker at:

• Facebook: @SupportIBD
• YouTube: @aaronblocker
• Instagram: @AaronBlocker_
• Web: https://www.aaronblocker.com

Find Amber J Tresca at:

• AboutIBD.com: About IBD
• Verywell Health: Verywell Health
• Facebook: @aboutIBD
• Twitter: @aboutIBD
• Pinterest: @aboutibd
• Instagram: @about_IBD
• YouTube: @AboutIBD
• Threads: @about_ibd

Find Mac Cooney (mix, sound design, and theme music) at:

• Facebook: @maccooneycomposer
• Instagram: @maccooneycomposer
• YouTube: @MacCooneyComposer
• Web: Cooney Studio
• Theme music, IBD Dance Party, is from ©Cooney Studio.

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