“How An Illness of the Brain Taught Me to Be Well: Self-care and Recovery in the Time of COVID”

Singer-songwriter, poet, hospital chaplain, and recording artist Meg Hutchinson discusses her journey with Bipolar I Disorder over the past 23 years, from fear and shame to acceptance and health. Strong emphasis is placed on recovery as a daily practice and the unique challenges facing healthcare workers during the pandemic. Meg shares what she has learned about self-care and resiliency as a palliative care chaplain in a large Boston hospital. This presentation narrates Meg’s acceptance of the need to take medication and how meditation, yoga, creativity, and lifestyle changes help her manage illness and heal from trauma. She talks about navigating complex family issues, building a positive support network, and the value of restoring inner balance through physical, mental, and spiritual rest.