About Dr Shirley Yu

Shirley is a consultant rheumatologist who graduated from the University of New South Wales. She has done further specialist training at Canberra, Royal Prince Alfred and Royal North Shore Hospitals and is a fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians..

She is currently a consultant rheumatologist at Royal North Shore Hospital and runs a general rheumatology clinic the Osteoarthritis Chronic Care Program clinics. She is also a clinical lecturer for the University of Sydney, Northern Clinical School. 

She has a special interest in osteoarthritis, and other aspects of general rheumatology, including the diagnosis and medical management of an array of musculoskeletal conditions – inflammatory arthritis, crystal arthropathies, systemic lupus erythematosus, myositis and vasculitis.

She is fluent in English and Mandarin.

Dr Shirley works as an independent practitioner consulting at BJC Health.

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Wed 27 May 8pm!

Register to attend.  You will also get the live recording.

Setting Boundaries When Illness Is Invisible

How can this event help me?

Living with invisible illness presents unique challenges in establishing healthy boundaries and protecting your wellbeing. When your struggles aren't visibly apparent to others, communicating your needs becomes both essential and complicated. Learning to advocate for yourself while navigating relationships, work, and daily life can profoundly impact your quality of life and emotional health.

In this live online session, Psychologist Adrian Comensoli will explore the psychological and relational dynamics of invisible illness, share practical strategies for boundary-setting, and guide you toward reclaiming your autonomy. This discussion is ideal for anyone seeking clearer guidance, whether you're personally managing an invisible condition, supporting someone who is, or simply wanting to understand these complex interpersonal dynamics better.

Join Adrian for an insightful conversation covering these essential topics:

  • Recognising the unseen impact: The psychological impact of having conditions that aren't visibly apparent, why invisible struggles require different approaches to advocacy, and how this affects self-perception and relationships.

  • Expressing needs with clarity: Effective ways to articulate your needs and limitations to others, how to explain invisible health challenges without oversharing, and setting expectations with friends, family, and colleagues.

  • Protecting your physical capacity: How to manage energy levels and activity limitations, when to say no to social invitations, and protecting your physical wellbeing without feeling guilty.

  • Safeguarding emotional wellbeing: Managing expectations from others, dealing with doubt or disbelief about your condition, and maintaining emotional resilience when your experiences are questioned.

  • Navigating professional expectations: Navigating professional environments with invisible illness, disclosing information appropriately, requesting accommodations, and maintaining productivity while protecting your health.

  • Strengthening self-advocacy: Building confidence in your needs, developing assertive communication techniques, and creating sustainable boundary practices that honor your wellbeing.

This session offers invaluable guidance for anyone wanting to better understand boundary-setting with invisible illness and feel empowered to advocate for yourself with confidence. Join us on Wednesday, May 27th for this supportive and enlightening virtual event. We welcome your questions and discussions to help make this a collaborative and engaging experience for everyone.



Register to attend!