I recently created a Podcast, about the misconceptions of Crohn’s Disease, and how the severity of the chronic illness is often dismissed because its not physically apparent from the outside. This a very personal Podcast, and the aim of it was to raise awareness of Crohn’s Disease, from an inside perspective, whilst encouraging people to be more mindful of people’s circumstances. I promoted it through my personal Facebook and published it on the MHM website. Across all platforms, my Podcast received 3 shares, and 9 comments. I used hashtags such as #Crohns #IBD #Illness, and also tagged Crohn’s and Colitis U.K in an effort for my Podcast to reach further audiences, people also engaged through likes. I invited listeners to think about if they felt more educated on invisible illnesses, and asked them if they understood and acknowledged the complexities of Crohn’s and some of the struggles people with IBD related illnesses face on a daily basis.

I was impressed and touched by the comments received. Putting myself out there, accompanied by an often-confused disease, I thought I would get mixed responses. However, all responses either positive, or conversational regarding the topic of Crohn’s Disease.

With myself and contributor, Liam talking publicly of our personal experiences, I was pleased to see one listener named Molly open up to how the disease has affected a loved one.
“My godfather suffers greatly with Crohn’s, and has his whole life so it was really great hearing somebody else’s experiences!”

This comment made me reflect upon my Podcast and gives me the impression that I opened up a platform for people to talk about the illnesses and to share their thoughts of what they have realised after listening.
I made sure to lay emphasis on how because you may look physically fine, it doesn’t mean you are, from this, my listeners were prompted to think about there is more than meets the eye for every individual.

In relation to this, Lucy Boyd comments; “just because you look fine, doesn’t mean that there isn’t more going on inside”.

Sarah Croasdale commented on Facebook:“People who know nothing about this condition should listen and be more compassionate to sufferers and not just assume someone looks fine as someone’s appearance can be deceptive!”

I feel that from this, I have encouraged people be more sympathetic, and mindful, as they are not always aware of what another person is going through.
In my Podcast, I talk about how it can be quite a lonely disease, where expressions of confusion are often met when explaining my condition. This can perhaps be explained by the two main assumptions of Crohn’s that people have, thinking it’s only about needing the toilet and diet.

Victoria comments, “You rarely see coverage of Crohn’s Disease in the media. This podcast opens up a dialogue for people to talk about the illness and the understand the severity of Crohn’s”.

With the disease being widely under represented and talked about in the media, Victoria’s comment suggests that more should be done to make people aware of the illness.

Having received positive comments from my Podcast, I got the sense that people realised the severity of the condition, past the narrow-minded views and misconceptions that often mask what truly is Crohn’s Disease.

Harvey James commented: “As well as your family and friends misunderstanding your illness, I can only imagine explaining it to employers is all the more frustrating”.

Also with listener, Fiona Thomas saying “Definitely learnt a lot about Crohn’s Disease from this! I can see why the illness is overlooked by many”.

I feel that I have made people more aware as to what Crohn’s Disease is, and how the chronic illness affects the lives of over 115,000 people in the U.K, and millions worldwide. Going in depth about my personal experiences has hopefully contributed to ending the stigma, shame, misunderstanding, and embarrassment surrounding the illness.
If I was to do this Podcast again, I would have shared it on a Facebook IBD or Crohn’s support page, I would have then received wider comments from those that experience similar health problems, whilst also receiving alternative personal experiences. Another way I could have improved my Podcast would have been by interviewing a representative from Crohn’s and Colitis U.K or IBD Relief, I would have received a comment from a professional stance and through a charity/charities that support those with IBD, rather than just sourcing an interview solely that illustrates a negative incident someone has experienced with Crohn’s Disease.

The comments received through sharing my Podcast came across as being very understanding and compassionate and I am delighted that I have contributed towards a change in how people view Crohn’s Disease.