As I have mentioned in previous posts, accepting your diagnosis isn’t as easy as it may first sound. For most people, there’s a fair amount of time between when symptoms first occur and when they know what is actually happening inside their bodies. There also is definitely a sense of loss involved in really recognizing…
One of the groups that I’ve been active in over the years has been FND Hope‘s collection of Facebook groups on Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), the condition I was diagnosed with in 2003. There are both risks and benefits to participating in these groups, but generally, I’d argue that they’re worthwhile, especially early on and…
I have been living with chronic conditions, both physical and mental, since I was a kid. I’ve been encouraged to write about it, talk about it, think about it, and then put it all aside and move forward with my life. There are good reasons for doing these things. Today, I want to talk to…
I’ve noticed that some people in various disability-related groups put a huge emphasis on their diagnosis as an identity and that many disability groups are siloed based upon diagnosis. I understand it, but it also worries me. I understand the need to belong and be accepted, and that part of that process when it comes…
When you are newly disabled or just starting to realize that you have a condition that will have long term effects on you, it’s important for you to understand what you have, how it works, and what your loved ones may be able to do to help manage your situation. This isn’t necessarily easy, as…
I was diagnosed with fine motor coordination issues at the age of 4, depression when I was 9 years old, and with conversion disorder(now better called Functional Neurological Disorder) when I was 23. I spent my entire scholastic career being a special needs student and was frequently in honors and advanced placement classes. Yes,…