Verde Valley News – 2023 was sadly coveted as “the year of the loneliness epidemic” by The Week as “fighting loneliness became a global health priority in 2023.
In the past year, USA Today cites that “an alarming 77% of Americans have experienced feelings of loneliness.”
While most of us think of loneliness as “just a bad feeling,” USA TODAY says that “loneliness has far greater implications for our health”
Arizona wellness coaches, Noelle Creamer and Cassie Carpenter, once struggling with autoimmune diseases, decided to do something about it.
“We saw the great cost of neglecting human connection in the healing process and identified an opportunity to create a solution where human interaction was at the center of all we do.”
Why Was BrightlyThrive, The Official Autoimmunity Community,™ Created?
The process of getting diagnosed with an autoimmune disease can feel lonely and isolating, it certainly was for Cassie and Noelle. With only limited-time programs, stand-alone DIY courses, and a few specialized podcasts to utilize as a reference, Cassie and Noelle felt disconnected and confused about who and where to turn to.
All the support groups that Cassie and Noelle found on their own only made matters worse. Cassie says she “was put in a downward spiral emotionally” and that the support groups she found felt “morbid.” Plus, the online communities were filled with untrustworthy sources. “I didn’t know who to trust, where to go, or who to talk to about the grief and loneliness I was experiencing,” says Cassie.
Birthed from the necessity for community and connection, BrightlyThrive was born. Noelle shared that “we saw the great cost of neglecting human connection in the healing process and identified an opportunity to create a solution where human interaction was at the center of all we do.”
Whether you’re starting, in remission, a long-time warrior, juggling multiple conditions, or seeking answers to mysterious symptoms, there’s a place for you at BrightlyThrive.
But what even is an autoimmune disease?
Johns Hopkins Medicine defines an autoimmune disorder as “when the body’s natural defense system can’t tell the difference between your own cells and foreign cells, causing the body to mistakenly attack normal cells.”
Of the known autoimmune disorders, type 1 diabetes, lupus, celiac disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), psoriasis, fibromyalgia, and rheumatoid arthritis are some of the most common. These conditions disproportionately impact women, who account for nearly 75 percent of cases, according to AARDA.
Autoimmune diseases have truly become an epidemic, with over 50 million Americans suffering from one or more autoimmune diseases (and that’s just what’s recorded).
Even celebrities don’t get a pass from suffering, from Venus Williams to Kim Kardashian.
What Is BrightlyThrive?
BrightlyThrive is more than a community; it’s a movement dedicated to empowering individuals on their journey toward autoimmune wellness. Founded on the principles of support, knowledge, and growth, BrightlyThrive provides a safe space for individuals living with autoimmune conditions to connect, learn, and thrive. Through expert-guided sessions, educational programs, interactive challenges, and a vibrant network, BrightlyThrive is redefining what it means to live well with autoimmunity.
And while the five-trillion dollar wellness industry can make us feel like the newest infrared sauna studio or that rose-quartz gua sha tool will be the answer to all our problems, oftentimes the missing piece in our life is much simpler than that.
Because community is the ultimate medicine.
The Science of Community As Immunity
And there’s research to back it up. Research shows relationships can influence the way our immune system functions, and how autoimmune diseases can manifest as a result of that isolation.
In one study, researchers even found that socially isolated people were 45 percent more likely to get sick with a common cold. It doesn’t take a Nobel Prize to figure out that the opposite is probably true—meaningful connection with others can improve our immune systems.
Research by Steve Cole shows us that social connection strengthens our immune system because genes impacted by social connection also code for immune function and inflammation. This implies with meaningful social connection, we can recover from disease faster, and we may even lengthen our lives.
Plus, the boost of feel-good hormones like serotonin, oxytocin, and dopamine are not only mood boosters but also a great line-up of defense for your immune system.
Testimonials
“BrightlyThrive has given me a new perspective on living with autoimmunity. It’s not just about managing symptoms; it’s about thriving in spite of them.” – Maha L.
“Joining BrightlyThrive has been a game-changer for me. Not only have I gained valuable knowledge, but I’ve also found a community that truly understands and supports me on my autoimmune journey.” – Sarah M.