Alison sits in a car, wearing a dress and with her hair styled back and makeup on, smiling
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Ableism in society: everybody wants you to be okay

One of those challenges that many of us need to deal with is that on top of the physical and emotional trauma involved in our illnesses or injuries, we also often need to communicate what is happening to our loved ones and other significant people in our lives.  This can be challenging, as we are…

Guiding others towards a healthier understanding of your condition
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Guiding others towards a healthier understanding of your condition

Healthier interactions start with the recognition that you are, indeed, human too. Just because you have some form of disabling condition or identity doesn’t make you more(or less) of a person than you were prior to your symptoms or diagnosis. Unfortunately, both you as the person managing your condition, and your family and friends need…

two women, one using a walker, under an umbrella together
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Friends in need: protecting yourself while helping others

There are times when your friends may call on you for help or support. This may be a time of crisis for them, or during a time of extra stress. Usually, when asked, people on some level want to say yes, it’s part of how humans are socialized. Now that you are living with a…

A black and white photo, featuring a plain building with windows at consistent repeated intervals. In the forefront on the left-hand side, a shoulder and hand are visible, with the hand pressed against the windowpane that the picture is taken through.
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Disability and loneliness: The power of maintaining social connections

One of the big differences between ’being sick’ and dealing with a chronic condition is how your relationships and activities are affected.  If you’re sick, staying home and resting up IS a great idea.  Sure, you may miss one or two activities you were looking forward to, but you’ll feel better and get back into…