Living with chronic illness can reveal both the strength within us and the people who truly support us. Em Woodward has navigated years of health challenges with courage and self-reflection, finding clarity, authentic connections, and purpose along the way. Keep reading to learn more about Em’s journey, her insights on resilience, and the advice she shares for others navigating complex healthcare paths.
Seeing the Whole Me: True Friends and Support
Anyone who has consistently stuck around since I became chronically ill sees and loves the whole me. Once my health started to decline, it became pretty obvious who cared about me, and who mostly cared about what I could offer them, because the ones who were true made the effort, reached out, and accommodated me. Those that didn't, well, they naturally drifted away because I couldn't physically make the effort to reach out and see them all the time.
It was a hard time of my life, seeing who bothered and who didn't, but it means I'm now left with only true friends in my life, and people I know see the whole me and love her.
Discovering Unexpected Strength
A few years back I became so unwell I was bed-bound for a few months, in and out of the hospital. I didn't know what was going on with me exactly, and there were moments where I wasn't sure if I'd survive it. I surprised myself with how emotionally strong I remained during that period and afterwards, how I took a traumatic time and created some good from it, by using my time to reflect on my life and make new, accessible goals for myself, including deciding to write my book.
I do, however, feel incredibly privileged to have had years of therapy that definitely made me more prepared for that time.
Advice for Those Navigating Healthcare Challenges
I've written an entire book on advice for the chronically ill, that I'm in the editing stages of now, but will hopefully be out by the end of the year. There is so much advice, support, and comfort I wish I could give to everyone going through these types of health issues.
What I will say is this: be kind to yourself. Our western world teaches us that we only really have value if we're offering something, if we're grinding constantly, to our own detriment. But you are worthy of kindness, of rest, of putting yourself first and getting what you need. I know it's not always practical, but please try to allow yourself rest when you need it.
Building Bridges Through Shared Experiences
Em’s story reflects the heart of our Bridges to Better Care campaign — highlighting the emotional, social, and practical challenges of chronic illness while showcasing the strength, resilience, and self-advocacy patients bring to their journeys. Her insights remind us that authentic support, self-compassion, and personal reflection are key to navigating healthcare and life with chronic conditions.
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