At times, the most life-changing moments pass you by without a second thought at the point of circumstance. So, in fact, at the time, they are not life-changing at all, not like the tremendous jolt of a traffic accident or death of a loved one. For many, these defining moments…
There were times over the last 10 months or so that felt like this day would never come.
My experience since March 2020 has been well documented. Since February, I’ve been in one shop with the only other times I have stepped foot in a building being to see a…
I’m lucky. I have a large family around me, all within 20 miles of where I live. But when it comes to talking about my chronic pain and illness, I find myself drawing comfort from those I have never met. In this article, I explore why.
You have to experience it to understand
How my mental health and chronic illness are intertwined
In a year that presents an obvious event in which to discuss on what could be the most important World Mental Health Day ever, I wish to tell a story that offers an escape from Coronavirus, pandemics and lack of toilet roll at your local supermarket.
It took becoming a parent myself to realise the strain my juvenile arthritis had placed on my family. Arthritis stole from my parents, siblings, my education and my friendships. For the first time in over 20 years, I’m writing down my experiences as a child with arthritis.
An ‘old person’s disease’ before my 11th birthday
Any new diagnosis requires a period of adjustment, time to come to terms with the implications and a good support network around you — however, arthritis is particularly challenging.
The chances are it’s a condition you have to manage for the rest of your life, dealing with pain along with…
