#Invisible disabilities full

Ironically, it’s on the days I need to use aids that non-disabled people suddenly discover I’m disabled. When these conditions get too severe, I use either a cane or a walking frame to help me walk. Arthritis and Osteoporosis #Īrthritis and osteoporosis affect my joints and bones, making it hard to type, hold things, and walk. I also have unclear speech and sometimes say sentences out of order, so I don’t make sense. I sometimes struggle to process what people are saying (especially instructions) and misread social situations. The component people know even less about, though, is its neurodivergency. The condition makes me clumsy and my fine motor skills are terrible. Which unfortunately I’d say is pretty visible, wouldn’t you? Dyspraxia #ĭyspraxia (a developmental coordination disorder) is one condition that I think does present physically, but because there isn’t much awareness of it, people often don’t recognize it. If my food is contaminated, my symptoms range from exhaustion and bloating to diarrhea, no matter where I am. This makes dining out very difficult and sometimes impossible. Whether you choose to see them or not is up to you.” Celiac Disease #Ĭeliac disease means that I have to stick to a restrictive wheat and gluten-free diet. “My disabilities are evident in the exhaustion on my face, the aching in my joints, and the extra time it takes me to process simple questions. These can be really painful and mean I speak with quite a croaky voice a lot of the time. I’m also prone to ulcers in my throat and on the inside of my mouth.

I’ve been known to faint if I get too hot. I have to plan my days around the sun like a vampire. This means I can’t really leave the house or do much on hot days. Lupus, an autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammation, is mostly triggered by heat. This can make holding a conversation or doing tasks impossible. Another common symptom of chronic conditions is brain fog, where I’ll struggle to think of or remember even the easiest thing. Although they all fall into the categories known as invisible illnesses, if you pay attention, they soon make themselves known.įatigue is a big part of all of my chronic conditions and often shows up in various ways, such as walking slower, needing to take breaks, and lack of concentration.

#Invisible disabilities full

I have a host of illnesses and conditions, all of which are classed as “invisible.” The full list includes lupus, endometriosis, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, dyspraxia, migraine, celiac disease, asthma, anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). How ‘Invisible’ Conditions Manifest Themselves # Many people sadly think that you are only disabled if you have a physical disability and therefore need to use mobility aids (like a walker, cane, or wheelchair), but of course, not all disabled people do. The sorry truth, however, is that non-disabled people often still subscribe to an outdated view of disability.

There are visible signs of every disability and condition if you pay attention. However, if you live with any of these disabilities yourself, you will know that they are far from invisible and to call them so diminishes them.

It was previously used for chronic illnesses, but in recent years, it has also been expanded to include mental health, gynecological conditions, and neurodiverse conditions.

The term “invisible disability” or “invisible illness” is used to describe any condition that stereotypically doesn’t present in a physical way. With a list like this to run through every morning, I find it ridiculous that my disabilities are described as “invisible.” Will I be able to do anything at all, or will I have to just go back to bed? Is there a migraine on the horizon? My hips/pelvis/knees/ankles feel a little sore will I be able to walk? Did I get enough sleep last night? My hands hurt will I be able to type? How does my stomach feel today? Am I able to think properly and then translate these thoughts into proper sentences? Where will be comfortable enough for my body to work today? Every morning I wake up and I have to take time to assess how much I’ll be able to do that day. Charlton-Dailey often uses their platform to spotlight issues that affect disabled people. Here, they explain how “invisible illness” is a misguided, and even harmful, term. Her work is featured in publications such as Healthline, Huffpost, Metro UK, The Guardian, and Business Insider. Rachel Charlton-Dailey (she/they) is a journalist specializing in health and disability.