Invisible Illness Week Sept. 28 - Oct. 4

       I get weekly emails from an invisible illness website. A few weeks ago I got an email about invisible illness week saying that bloggers should answer a few questions. These questions are supposed to help spread some awareness or at least support invisible illness week.  So I answered the questions I could to best of my ability.

1.  One person who makes you get up and fight each day to have a life.
1. My family, and my close friends. Most importantly, myself. I know that sounds selfish, but how could I get out of bed every morning if I didn’t fight for myself and my future? So I get out of bed because I am looking forward to what the future holds. I am only 19 and going to college to become a paralegal and eventually, a lawyer. I am so excited for my future and the people I get to share it with!  
2.   What treatment or medication did you fight for?
1.   I first fought for a diagnosis. I fought for answers, for almost four years. During those four years, I felt crazy, hopeless, and was told that it isn’t that serious. So, in other words, it was all in my head. When I finally got the answer, then, I started fighting for a medication. I have tried two medications and the “non-medication” method within the six months of being diagnosed. I still haven’t found a solid treatment plan. But that is to be expected.
3.    How do you keep fighting to live when life wants to get you down?
1. When life gets me down, I talk to those who love me most. They always make me feel better. I look at old photos and videos because they remind me that it isn’t always bad. I eat chocolate and watch Netflix. Or if I need to power through the day, to work or go to class then I do, of course. I can’t let people know I am having a bad day. I can’t let people know that I am currently weak and feeling vulnerable. Unless I absolutely need to, if I did that every time I had a bad day then I wouldn't get anything accomplished.
4.   Why do you fight for awareness as an illness advocate (or just some man or woman who likes to make some noise)? 
1.  I fight for awareness because I didn’t know how terrible and how much people struggle with invisible chronic illnesses until I was diagnosed with one. I had no idea how the loneliness, sadness, loss, and how scared it is to have an invisible chronic illness. I most importantly fight for awareness because many people do not know what certain chronic illnesses are, even doctors and nurses. It is really hard to believe that, but it is true.
5.   What advice you would give someone recently diagnosed about how to choose what to fight   about and what to let go of?
1.    What you are feeling is totally normal. There are no wrong responses. I have been where you are before. And it sucks, it is going to be hard, but you will make it through this. Fight for answers, fight for treatment, not all doctors are going to know what to do. You will have days where you do not even feel like you are sick. But always be prepared to have that shitty day. Always, because it can come out of nowhere. Keep in mind that you are NOT alone. There are many others struggling with the same thing as you are. There are a lot of strong people out there putting up with the same crap you are, and you are strong. Always remember you are loved by so many, and have the support of so many. Don’t forget to lean on those who are close to you. Don’t forget about those who love you and are concerned about you. Do whatever you feel is right, take a deep breath, sit down when you need to, and do what you need to in order to survive the day. Don’t ignore the good days because tomorrow may be a bad one. But don’t put off the bad either, because you want to stay strong. This is not the end, this is the beginning… It is a beginning of a new normal.