Nikki Awareness items, chronic illness, coping, Invisible disability awareness, society, stigma

Invisible Disability: My illness is invisible. I am not.

I have invisible illnesses and I am disabled by some of them. Yes, you can't see them. Yes, they are invisible. But I am not. I matter. My life matters. My existence matters. You can't treat me as Lesser Than just because I am disabled, if you find out I am. You can't judge how … Continue reading Invisible Disability: My illness is invisible. I am not.

Nikki Awareness items, chronic illness, chronic pain, coping with disability, Invisible disability awareness

6 Things to know about Invisible Disability Awareness

This year Invisible Disability Awareness Week falls on October 18th to 24th. According to the Invisible Disabilities Association, the term invisible disability refers to symptoms such as debilitating pain, fatigue, dizziness, cognitive dysfunction, brain injuries, learning differences, mental health disorders, as well as hearing and visual impairments. They are not always obvious to the onlooker, … Continue reading 6 Things to know about Invisible Disability Awareness

Chronic illness: Do I have self -compassion
Nikki acceptance, chronic illness, chronic pain, coping, wellbeing

Chronic illness: Do I have self-compassion?

When we’re struggling with illness, though, our self-esteem can plummet.  We may see ourselves as slow, irritable, unlovable and stuck. Research shows that maintaining positive feelings about ourselves during illness flares can improve both physical and mental well-being. Psychology Today Kristin Neff is a leading researcher on self-compassion according to Psychology Today. Neff has written, "People feel compassion for … Continue reading Chronic illness: Do I have self-compassion?

Nikki acceptance, chronic illness, chronic pain, coping, coping with disability, disability, self-care, wellbeing

Chronic illness: We are only human

'Human' by Rag'nBone Man Lyrics I'm only human I'm only—I'm only— I'm only human, human Maybe I'm foolish Maybe I'm blind Thinking I can see through this And see what's behind Got no way to prove it So maybe I'm lying But I'm only human after all I'm only human after all Don't put your … Continue reading Chronic illness: We are only human