Scared, Tired, but Still Showing Up: Mental Health and Chronic Illness
There’s a side of chronic illness that isn’t always visible on the outside—but it’s just as real as the physical pain, the medications, or the doctor visits. It’s the mental weight. The fear. The loneliness. The exhaustion that sleep doesn’t fix. Living with Type 1 Diabetes and Rheumatoid Arthritis means my body is in a […]
My First Diagnosis Story: How Type 1 Diabetes Changed Me
I was twelve when my life completely changed forever. One minute I was a healthy sixth grader, and the next I was dropping weight so fast my skirt wouldn’t stay on. I was just constantly tired, constantly starving, and so thirsty it hurt. I’d sneak out of class to get water because the teachers didn’t […]
How to Become Your Own Health Advocate: Tips from a Patient Who’s Been There
Learning how to navigate the healthcare system with a chronic illness is one thing. Learning how to advocate for yourself within it? That’s a whole different skill, and one I’ve had to develop the hard way. I live with both Type 1 Diabetes and Rheumatoid Arthritis, as well as other ailments like major nerve issues […]
A Day in My Life: Managing Type 1 Diabetes and Rheumatoid Arthritis with Grace (and Humor)
Living with one chronic illness is a full-time job. Living with two? That’s… well, let’s just say my body runs on planning, pacing, and a very stubborn refusal to stay down. As you well may know, I live with both Type 1 Diabetes and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), and it’s a challenge to say the least. […]
