Actor Claire Chitham knows a lot about keeping well. She shares her wellness journey with the Weekly.
You were diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. How has that affected your life?
I don’t say I have Crohn’s disease any longer because I have not had it since I was 25. The reason I make that clarification is for people who have Crohn’s disease to understand that it’s not a life sentence. I was hospitalised with my Crohn’s when I was 21 and on Shorty. I had a lot to live for because I was doing the thing I loved. The idea that could be taken away from me made my lioness come out. That drive is what got me to where I am today – healthy and free from Crohn’s disease.
How have you learnt to live with this disease and prevent relapses?
The hard stuff was done between the ages of 18 and 25, and what I learned at an early age is to genuinely prioritise my own health at all times. Once I healed my body, that feeling of not being in pain, feeling healthy, strong and having loads of energy was amazing. It became easier for me to make that my priority. I never want to feel that bad again.
You have a successful, busy life. Does stress play a part in your wellness and how do you manage that?
Stress is unavoidable. I sometimes get little skin rashes that tell me I’m out of balance or inflamed. On a practical level, I will cut sugars, alcohol and dairy to try calm my system. Then I tend to need to get outside, put my feet in the sand, get in the ocean and walk in nature. Even just a shower can help change my state.
As Shorty receptionist Waverley with co-star Karl Burnett.
How do you keep yourself centred and look after your mental health?
If I am emotionally upset or wound up and driving myself crazy, I use meditation, walking and writing to try and move through things. Talking to friends always helps. Deep breathing and hydration can solve a lot! When I’m too busy, I get really flighty, agitated and forgetful. So I have my personal “prescriptions” for how to help myself when I notice that happening.
Do you follow a certain diet to stay well?
My “rules” are diversity, whole foods, sustainably sourced and high quality. Red meat is usually only once a week or whenever I really crave it. I mostly eat chicken and fish because I need lots of clean protein. Organic everything is super-important for me because if you have a chronic illness, you need to avoid as many pesticides and toxins in your food (and skincare or environment) as you can.
What advice do you have for others who may be coping with Crohn’s?
I was at the Pilates studio the other day and I heard some girls talking, who said “Yeah, I was diagnosed four years ago.” Any diagnosis can become this horrible badge you’re tagged with and it doesn’t have to be. We know more about how the human body works now than we ever did before and what we know about the gut microbiome we have just learnt in the past five to seven years. I’m a big believer in finding the source of the problem and healing that, not treating the symptoms. Educate and empower yourself.
You wrote Good for You – is it important for you to help others heal and stay well?
Yes, the book was a way for me to share all the things I’ve learnt during those 25 years of staying on top of my health.
What are you most grateful for in your life?
My relationships. My humans. They’re the best medicine.
What did you learn from your parents about healthy living?
I don’t think either of them would disagree with me by saying that I didn’t learn much about health from either of them. My dad was a highly stressed salesman of the ’80s. My mum has always been the first to admit that she’s not a great cook. But she was always spiritually minded, and they were both very open-minded and accepting of people. So emotionally, spiritually and philosophically, I got a good set-up.
When and where are you happiest?
I work to find it in everything. I’m just as happy sitting on a beach by myself as I am going away for the weekend with my best friends or singing car karaoke. I find it all the time.
Tell us something we don’t know about you.
I get just as confused, sad, lonely, frustrated, morose or blah as the next person. I have my stresses and sufferings the same as anyone.
