Grieving Archives | Thriving While Disabled

Overcoming Obstacles | Taking care of yourself

Internalized Ableism: the struggle to accept our own worthiness

ByAlison Hayes September 11, 2020July 19, 2022

People with disabilities are often marginalized by society – and there are a variety of reasons for it. The social model of disability focuses on how instead of viewing our symptoms as failures on our part, it’s time to start looking at what assumptions society has made that make participating in the greater community more…

Taking care of yourself | Strategizing for success

How embracing your diagnosis improves your life

ByAlison Hayes February 28, 2020November 8, 2022

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…

Meet The Author

Alison Hayes

As a person with a sometimes-invisible illness that straddles neurology and psychiatry (Functional Neurological Disorder), I've dealt with a lot of the stigma surrounding physical and mental illnesses and both visible and invisible illnesses. I want to help other people with disabilities to regain perspective and control over their lives through manageable steps and make their lives better, one step at a time.

Photography courtesy of Terry Manning(terrymakes.com)