A comprehensive guide on chronic pain, its causes, symptoms, and effective management strategies to improve your quality of life.
Some wounds don’t bleed. They don’t show up on skin or in scans. They live beneath the surface, in silence and shame. For many survivors of trauma, one of the hardest, most unspoken struggles is the fractured relationship with their own body. This is mine. Because of trauma, I often hate my body. And that’s not a metaphor. It’s a fact I’ve had to face, over and over again. The Body Becomes a Battlefield Trauma…
Waiting is something most people dislike. Waiting in traffic, Waiting in line, Waiting for life to pick up speed. But for those living with chronic illness—especially fibromyalgia—waiting becomes a central part of existence. It’s not a pause before the action. It is the action. What living with fibromyalgia taught me about waiting has shaped the way I see time, purpose, and even myself. The Wait for a Diagnosis Before I could even begin to live…
Living with fibromyalgia already feels like a full-time battle—one that requires constant adjustments, relentless strength, and a deep understanding of your own body. But when perimenopause enters the picture, it brings a second wave of physical and emotional changes that can leave even the most resilient individuals overwhelmed. For many, going through perimenopause with fibromyalgia is not just a health challenge—it’s an identity-shaking experience. Understanding what it’s like to manage both conditions at once means…
When My Long-Term Disability Was Revoked Because I ‘Don’t Look Sick’ I never imagined that having an invisible illness would mean I’d have to fight to prove my suffering to strangers. I never thought I’d hear someone in a position of power imply that looking well equates to being well. Yet that’s exactly what happened. My long-term disability was revoked because I “don’t look sick.” That sentence changed everything. The decision was more than just…
Why I’m Retiring From Advocacy as a Queer, Disabled Survivor of Abuse There comes a time in every journey when continuing forward no longer feels brave — it feels like survival without self. For years, I poured my energy, heart, and lived experience into advocacy. I fought to be seen, to make space for others, to speak truths that were too often buried under the weight of silence. I showed up in rooms that weren’t…
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…
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,…
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.…
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…
Fibromyalgia is widely recognized as a chronic pain disorder that affects the musculoskeletal system, nervous system, and overall well-being. While its root cause remains unknown, recent research suggests that fibromyalgia may not only be triggered by underlying conditions but may also contribute to the development of other illnesses. Many fibromyalgia patients report that their condition leads to a cascade of health complications, ranging from autoimmune diseases and cardiovascular issues to neurological disorders and metabolic imbalances.…