Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

7 Powerful 2021 Sundance Films That Nailed Authentic Disability Representation

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 provided a platform for filmmakers who brought truth, dignity, and complexity to disability narratives. These films did more than just feature disabled characters — they told their stories with nuance, respect, and realism. From bold documentaries to groundbreaking dramas, these…

by chronicillness•05/14/202508/22/2025•0

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 don’t just miss the mark—they sting in a way that’s deeper than the initial physical pain itself. They erase my experience, question my reality, and shrink my voice into silence. For anyone living with an invisible illness like fibromyalgia,…

by chronicillness•05/14/202508/22/2025•0

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 respond—can either build a bridge of support or deepen the hurt. Words carry power, and the wrong ones can wound deeper than silence ever could. What you should never say when someone tells you they’re in pain isn’t always obvious.…

by chronicillness•05/14/202508/22/2025•0

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 story is deeply entwined with themes of vulnerability, identity crisis, and the lasting physical and emotional toll of trauma. For many living with chronic illness, Rita Farr’s journey offers a powerful reflection of their own struggles and resilience. Her character…

by chronicillness•05/14/202508/22/2025•0

Unveiling World Fibromyalgia Awareness Day 2025: A Global Movement for Recognition and Support

World Fibromyalgia Awareness Day, observed annually on May 12, serves as a pivotal moment for individuals, communities, and organizations worldwide to unite in raising awareness about fibromyalgia. In 2025, this day continues to be a beacon of hope and advocacy, shedding light on a condition that affects millions yet remains misunderstood by many. The Essence of Fibromyalgia Awareness Day Initiated in 1992 and officially recognized by the National Fibromyalgia Association in 1998, Fibromyalgia Awareness Day…

by chronicillness•05/05/202508/22/2025•0

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 this perspective, focusing only on what might seem difficult. But the truth is, those who live with chronic illness bring a unique blend of empathy, strength, and authenticity to relationships. Here are sixteen reasons why they make incredible life partners.…

by chronicillness•05/05/202508/22/2025•0

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 still echo sometimes. The way they stared, laughed, or excluded me wasn’t something I could ever forget. I didn’t understand why I was treated differently—I only knew that I was. But what began as a painful childhood of bullying slowly…

by chronicillness•05/05/202508/22/2025•0

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 way others treated me. Classmates whispered behind my back, teachers overlooked me, and strangers stared without apology. I learned to shrink myself to avoid attention, to keep quiet when I wanted to scream, and to fake smiles that hid the…

by chronicillness•05/05/202508/22/2025•0

The Raw Truth About Living With Hypermobility and Fibromyalgia That Few Understand

The Realities of My Life With Hypermobility and Fibromyalgia Living with hypermobility and fibromyalgia is like constantly walking a tightrope with no safety net. The balance between managing pain, fatigue, and mobility can feel overwhelming, even isolating. To the outside world, I might appear fine, maybe even flexible and active. But the truth of my daily life is hidden beneath the surface, woven with discomfort, unpredictability, and mental resilience. These two conditions—often misunderstood on their…

by chronicillness•05/05/202508/22/2025•0

18 Powerful Reasons People With Fibromyalgia Make Incredible Friends (and Partners)

18 Reasons People With Fibromyalgia Are Great Friends (Or More) Living with fibromyalgia is a daily journey of managing pain, exhaustion, and uncertainty. But out of that struggle often arises a deep strength of character that makes people with fibromyalgia some of the most caring, resilient, and reliable individuals you could ever have in your life. Whether as a friend or romantic partner, they bring qualities that are forged through perseverance and compassion. Here are…

by chronicillness•05/05/202508/22/2025•0