Why I spend so much time on my smartphone

I spend a lot of time on my smartphone. I spend time on Facebook and games. Half the time it’s because I enjoy it, but half the time it’s because I’m too tired to do anything else, and I need a distraction from the pain. Sometimes I  binge watch Netflix, YouTube, or mindless videos over...

Depression is much more than simple unhappiness

Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide. It is much more than simple unhappiness. It hurts. Not just emotionally, but physically too. If you think you have depression, talk to someone you trust & seek professional help. I was barely functional when I went to see my doctor. Ever since I take depression medication,...

Alcohol is a bigger killer than we thought

For many people, there's nothing wrong with drinking in moderation. Many drink to numb their pain. It's a way a lot of people mask what is really going on. I know that being someone who lives with physical pain 24/7, I've been actually suggested that I should drink more often as it numbs the pain....

Have you ever had suicidal thoughts?

I struggle with chronic depression. Having multiple chronic illness isn't helping. I remember being in the doctor's office when she asked me, if you weren't married and didn't have a child would you kill yourself right now. I burst into tears because the answer was "yes". I didn't register that I was suicidal until that...

Depression & Anxiety

Depression and anxiety are a challenging and often not talked about aspect of Graves or any thyroid issue. Many people find support and even skills by seeing a therapist and taking anti-depression medication. Even if you tried a therapist and it wasn't a good fit, keep looking. There are therapists that have some training in...

Let’s support each other

Mentally healthy human beings do not seek to destroy others. If you are comfortable with who you are and where you are in life and understand that struggles are part of the path, we will seek to support each other, not put others down to feel better. Part of the reason why I have this...

Mental & other invisible illnesses

We often try to control all of our more negative emotions, to prevent tears from flowing, to suppress the internal depression that is so difficult to live. We try to hide our inner turmoil. It feels like it's an absolute shame to feel bad, to lack energy and motivation to function. We only want to...

Parenting with chronic illness

I'm sharing the following because I know deep inside that I am not alone in this struggle. I know that there is strength in knowing that there is a lot of people out there who understands and go through the same guilt, worry and hopes. I'm always tired. I am forever falling asleep. I can't...

Understanding exhaustion

Hands up if you didn't get enough restful sleep last night. I'm raising both arms. I have sleep apnea. I stop breathing 53 times an hours. Sitting in the doctor's office, I listen as he explained that even after getting treatment for sleep apnea, I might not feel rested like many of his other patient....

Punishing chronic illness sufferers is not okay

The management team at my current workplace made me feel very small. It is becoming clear to me that they view people with chronic illness has being unreliable individual who need attitude correction. What management is doing isn't helping to "correct my attitude". I don't have a bad attitude. I am sick. No matter how...