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THALASSAEMIA CHAMPIONS PODCAST | New Episodes Now Available!

With open dialogue-formatted episodes, featuring thalassaemia patient advocates, mental health professionals, and other special guests, this show explores everything from psychosocial anxiety and relationship issues to treatment-related fears while striving to demystify all stereotypes and taboos associated with mental health. Stories from patients with lived experiences who overcame mental hurdles and easy-to-digest, expert advice round out each episode.

 

About Episode 9

The ninth and final episode of the podcast for 2024, ‘Psychosocial Aspects of Thalassemia and Patient’s Quality of Life: Adherence to Treatment and Psychological Well-Being’, explores the crucial role of adherence to treatment plans and the psychological stress it can cause on people affected by thalassaemia.

Our expert panel discusses patients’ challenges in maintaining treatment adherence and illuminates effective strategies for harmonizing emotional health with treatment routines. They also discuss inspiring stories of resilience. This episode is a must-listen for anyone living with or supporting someone with thalassaemia.

 

About Episode 8

In the eighth episode of our podcast series, titled “Psychosocial Aspects of Thalassemia and Patient’s Quality of Life: Family Dynamics and Support Systems,” we delve into the vital impact of family dynamics and support systems on the lives of those living with thalassaemia. This chronic condition doesn’t just affect the individual; it also significantly impacts their loved ones. Our discussion highlights how families can serve as pillars of strength, understanding, and resilience while addressing the challenges that may surface within these relationships.

Discover firsthand accounts of how crucial family support can deeply impact emotional and mental health,  effective strategies for managing family dynamics within the realm of chronic illness and the essential role of strong support networks in ensuring sustainable, long-term care.

 

About Episode 7

“Psychological Aspects of Thalassaemia and Patient’s Quality of Life: Social Challenges and Stigma” is the seventh episode of our podcast series. In this episode, we delve into the pressing issue of stigma and its far-reaching effects on individuals’ daily lives, personal relationships, and overall mental health. Through an engaging open discussion featuring a panel of experts alongside brave patients willing to share their experiences, we aim to shed light on the often-overlooked challenges that stigma can impose.

Our conversation explores how societal perceptions and misconceptions can create barriers that hinder individuals from seeking help, forming meaningful connections, and living their lives to the fullest.

About Episode 6

“Managing Family and Relationship Problems with β-Thalassaemia” is the sixth episode of the series, exploring the challenges of navigating personal relationships for individuals with thalassemia. Topics include determining when to disclose one’s condition, strategies for adult patients in Asian countries to overcome fear, and maintaining psychological satisfaction in romantic relationships.

The discussions emphasize the significance of finding the appropriate time to reveal one’s condition to minimize rejection, implementing strategies for a content family life despite the challenges, and balancing both partners’ physical and mental aspects for overall relationship satisfaction.


About Episode 5

In the episode “Dealing with Body Image Concerns in β-Thalassaemia,” two essential questions are addressed for individuals living with this condition. The conversation explores how to embrace and appreciate one’s unique body features, along with coping mechanisms for unalterable aspects.

The discussion also centers on supporting teenagers and adolescents with β-thalassaemia who may experience delayed growth and weaker physical health compared to their peers, while offering valuable guidance on alleviating body image anxieties. Our experts provide practical advice and emotional resources to encouraging a healthier body image within the β-thalassaemia community.

 

About Episode 4

In this episode titled “Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Symptoms in Patients with β-Thalassaemia,” Mr. George Constantinou, TIF Board Member and Expert Thalassaemia Patient, moderates an insightful discussion featuring Dr. Evgenia T. Georganda, Psy.D., ECP, an Existential-Humanistic therapist, and Dr. Kathleen Durst, Clinical Social Worker at CAF. The panelists are joined by thalassaemia patients Ms. Joud Alaraj from Sweden, Mr. Avinab Paudel from Nepal, and Ms. Yasamin Setaki from Iran.

Throughout the episode, participants address critical questions regarding the mental health challenges faced by individuals with thalassaemia. They examine ways to help patients feel confident about themselves despite societal expectations and discuss supporting those living in countries where judgment and stigma may prevail. In-depth strategies for overcoming these obstacles and achieving mental resilience are also explored.

 

About Episode 3

Every individual has faced the rocky emotional terrain that a chronic illness, such as thalassaemia major, inevitably brings. In the 3rd and final 2022 segment of the ‘Thalassaemia Champions – Mental Health Series’ podcast, Learning Resources for Coping With Illness: How to Put Yourself in Control”, the audience’s questions are used to instigate dialogue among our hosts and guests and help shed light on useful strategies that could help listeners put themselves in control over disease-related issues and situations.

 

About Episode 2

The second episode,Dealing With Worries About Current and Future Life Situations”, is all about helping patients cope with feelings of worry and anxiety about future and current life situations that can oftentimes be quite overwhelming. Discussing what patients themselves have brought up through their questions, our hosts’ aim in this episode is to offer simple guidance and encouragement to help listeners break through negative thoughts and empower them to live their best lives.

 


About Episode 1

In the first episode of this 3-part podcast series, entitled Dealing With Psychological Distress”, hosts George Constantinou, TIF Board Member and Expert Thalassaemia Patient, and Maria Hadjidemetriou, Cooley’s Anemia Foundation (CAF) Board Member and Member of TIF’s Patient Advocate Group (TPAG), delve deeper into the psychological distress patients with thalassaemia of all ages often experience. Guest speakers, Dr Michael Angastiniotis, TIF Medical Advisor, and Dr Kathleen Durst, Clinical Social Worker, CAF, offer unique insights and practical advice to help listeners escape negative thought cycles and reduce their anxiety.

‘Thalassaemia Champions: The Mental Health Sessions’ is available for you to listen to on SpotifyAmazon Music, Deezer, Podcast Index, Fountain, and many other directories.

The video version of the Podcast is featured on TIF’s YouTube channel.

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