How to talk to your family about your health journey

Healing Is Deeply Personal — But It Doesn’t Have to Be Lonely

Whether you’re managing chronic pain, starting physiotherapy, recovering from burnout, or exploring body-based therapies, sharing your health journey with loved ones can help you feel supported and seen. And yet, many patients tell us this is one of the hardest conversations to have.

Maybe your family doesn’t understand what you’re going through.
Maybe you’ve been told to “just push through it.”
Or maybe you’re making lifestyle changes and feeling unsure about how to explain why.

Whatever your path looks like, here are some compassionate, practical ways to talk to your family about your healing — in a way that respects your needs and your relationships.

1. Start with Your “Why”

You don’t need to explain every detail of your health history. Start with the heart of it — why your healing matters to you right now.

Try:

• “I’ve been feeling really off lately, and I’ve decided to take my health seriously.”
• “This pain has been affecting my sleep and mood — I’m finally getting help for it.”
• “I want to feel stronger and more like myself again.”

Framing it from a place of self-care, not weakness, helps others see this as a positive, empowered step.

2. Set Boundaries Around Advice or Opinions

Family members often mean well, but unsolicited advice can feel invalidating — especially if you’re doing something new, like physiotherapy, counselling, or trauma-informed care.

You can say:

• “I appreciate that you care — right now I just need you to listen.”
• “This might be different than what you’re used to, but it’s working for me.”
• “I’m focusing on what my body and care team are telling me, and I trust that.”

Remember: You don’t owe anyone proof or permission to take care of yourself.

3. Share How They Can Support You

Many loved ones want to help — they just don’t know how. Let them know what support looks like for you.

Examples:

• “It really helps me when you check in after my appointments.”
• “Can you remind me to rest when I start pushing too hard?”
• “I’d love your encouragement as I try these new habits.”

You might be surprised how people show up when they know what you need.

4. Use Analogies if You Need To Explain the Invisible

If you’re healing from something others can’t see (like pain, trauma, or anxiety), metaphors can help bridge the gap.

Try:

• “It’s like I’ve been running on an empty battery for a long time.”
• “Even though I look okay on the outside, inside I’m carrying a lot.”
• “Physiotherapy is helping me retrain my body — like rewiring how I move and feel.”

You don’t need to “convince” them — just help them understand your experience.

5. Be Honest About the Ups and Downs

Healing isn’t linear. Sharing your journey honestly — the wins and the setbacks — builds connection and helps normalize the process.

Let them know:

• “Some days I feel great, others are tough — but I’m committed to this.”
• “Even small progress matters. I’m learning to celebrate that.”

6. You Can Choose How Much You Share

If certain family members aren’t supportive, it’s okay to set limits. You can still protect your peace while keeping some connection.

• “I’m focusing on my healing right now, and I’d prefer not to get into the details.”
• “I’m working with a care team I trust — I’ll share more when I’m ready.”

Final Thoughts

Your health journey is valid, important, and worth protecting. You don’t have to explain everything, but when you choose to share, you give others the chance to support and walk alongside you.

And remember: healing is personal — but you don’t have to do it alone.

Need help navigating your next steps?
Our clinic is here to support you — physically, emotionally, and holistically. Whether you need a care plan, someone to listen, or a space to reconnect with your body, we’re here.