Ableism

As a private person, I find it easier to have an invisible disability, despite the emotional toll of appearing “fine” while feeling far from it. For years, I was able to privately manage my symptoms, and I wasn’t constantly asked if I needed help, which allowed me my independence.

Words can hurt, especially labels. We can deny a label all we want, but terms like “disabled” will close many doors. What does it mean to be disabled, though? I find the term offensive because it implies I’m not capable, which is far from the truth. Do I live with…

When I was being diagnosed, my initial MRI revealed that I had long lesions over several sections of my spinal cord. While I knew nothing about the disease I was about to be diagnosed with, I understood that any damage to my spinal cord was bad news. It meant I…