Shining a Light on Invisible Illness

First things first: I believe you. You tell me you’re experiencing chronic pain, I believe you. You do not have to prove yourself to anyone, least of all me. The medical profession has consistently let down many people, particularly women, by not believing them when they express that they are in pain. With Grief Into Gold, both professionally and personally, I want you to know that I will not continue that cycle.

Here, you are heard. 

Invisible illnesses can be isolating because you’re not able to easily identify other people you can relate to the same way someone with a physical injury might be able to, but that doesn’t mean you’re alone. Millions of people live with invisible illnesses that don’t show identifiable physical signs but can be just as debilitating as visible ones.

Some common examples of invisible illness include:

• Chronic pain conditions (fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome)
• Autoimmune diseases (Lupus and MS)
• Mental health concerns (depression and anxiety)
• Learning disabilities (dyslexia, ADHD)
• Sensory impairments (hearing loss and vision impairment) 

Empowerment is something I focus on with all of my clients, because helping you regain confidence will in turn impact every facet of your life–your relationships, your perspective, how you navigate the world, and most importantly, your sense of self. When you’re empowered, you’re more likely to advocate for yourself and others.

Invisible illnesses may not be visible, but their impact is very real. By fostering empowerment and educating ourselves, we can create a more compassionate and inclusive world. We start by believing one another.