The 2021 Sundance Film Festival offered a refreshing and long-overdue spotlight on stories that reflect the real world — including authentic disability representation. In a media landscape that often excludes or misrepresents disabled individuals, Sundance…
Mental Illness
Explore mental illness, its common symptoms, causes, and treatment options. Learn how to support mental health and seek help when needed.
Dismissed by Words: What It Feels Like When I’m in Pain and Someone Says, ‘That Didn’t Hurt’
Pain is personal. It’s intimate. It’s rooted in the unique wiring of a body and the lived experience of the person inside it. So when I’m in pain and someone says, “That didn’t hurt,” the…
Words That Wound: What You Should Never Say When Someone Tells You They’re in Pain
When someone opens up about their pain—whether physical, emotional, or invisible—they’re not just stating a fact. They’re taking a vulnerable step. They’re trusting you with something raw and real. But what happens next—the way you…
Why Rita Farr in Doom Patrol Shatters Stereotypes and Empowers the Chronic Illness Community
In a media landscape saturated with superheroes who seem invincible, Rita Farr stands apart. Known as Elasti-Woman on HBO Max’s Doom Patrol, Rita is not your typical comic book character. While she possesses powers, her…
16 Powerful Reasons People With Chronic Illness Make Remarkable Life Partners
Living with chronic illness demands resilience, adaptability, and emotional depth. While the challenges are undeniable, the experience also shapes individuals in profound ways that can translate into exceptional qualities as romantic partners. People often overlook…
How I Found My True Identity at the Intersection of Queerness, Neurodiversity, and Disability
For much of my life, I felt like I was navigating a maze blindfolded. I didn’t have the words to describe who I was or why the world around me felt so overwhelming. I only…
From Bullied Child to Empowered Woman: My Journey With Disability and Self-Worth
Growing up, I learned early that the world doesn’t always know how to treat those who are different. As a child with a visible disability, I quickly became a target. The names they called me…
From Pain to Pride: How I Transformed From a Bullied Girl Into a Fearless Woman With a Disability
There was a time in my life when I would have done anything to be invisible. As a child with a visible disability, I didn’t just feel different—I was constantly reminded of it by the…
The Chaotic Trio: How POTS, Fibromyalgia, and Ehlers-Danlos Throw an Uninvited House Party in Your Body
Introduction: When Chronic Illnesses Crash the Party Without Warning Living with just one chronic illness is tough enough — but when Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), Fibromyalgia, and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) show up together, it…
Mood Disorders Are Root Cause by Fibromyalgia: Understanding the Hidden Connection
Fibromyalgia is widely known for its chronic pain, fatigue, and cognitive dysfunction, but its impact on mental health is often overlooked. Many individuals with fibromyalgia also experience mood disorders such as depression, anxiety, and mood…