HD in Color - a Column by Tanita Allen

5 ways I practice mindfulness while living with Huntington’s

Living with Huntington’s disease (HD) brings unique challenges — physical, emotional, and mental. Navigating its complexities while maintaining a sense of peace and presence in my daily life hasn’t always been easy, but mindfulness has become an essential tool in my toolbox. Following are five ways I practice mindfulness…

5 ways I manage anxiety as someone with Huntington’s disease

Anxiety is a frequent companion for many of us living with Huntington’s disease (HD). Whether it’s the overwhelming stress of managing symptoms, navigating social interactions, or even planning for the future, anxiety can creep in and overshadow our daily lives. Over the years, I’ve developed strategies to manage…

The power of music in helping me manage my mood with HD

Music has always been more than just sound to me. It’s a lifeline. Living with Huntington’s disease (HD), I’ve faced physical challenges, emotional hurdles, and moments of deep introspection. During the most difficult times, music has been my refuge, helping me manage my mood, find peace, and lift my…

7 tips to create good sleep hygiene with Huntington’s disease

Living with Huntington’s disease (HD) presents rare challenges, including managing symptoms that can affect physical, mental, and emotional well-being. One of the often overlooked aspects of maintaining health with HD is cultivating good sleep hygiene. When sleep is interrupted or inadequate, the ripple effects on our bodies and minds…

5 mental health coping strategies that help me in life with HD

Living with Huntington’s disease (HD) presents many physical hurdles, but the toll it takes on mental health is often overlooked. Many people, including myself, experience intense bouts of anxiety and depression as part of this journey. Coping with the physical symptoms of HD can be exhausting, and the…

7 ways to support a friend with Huntington’s disease

It caught me off guard when a dear friend asked me recently, “How can I help you?” It wasn’t because I hadn’t been asked this before in different contexts, but rather that I realized I’d never truly given the question enough thought. Living with Huntington’s disease (HD) has…