Living with a chronic illness or disability often involves a lot of work that other people never see. From doctor’s appointments and bloodwork to medications, infusions, and the time spent traveling to and from medical facilities, managing a chronic condition can feel like a part-time job all on its own. And that’s before accounting for the symptoms themselves—or the demands of work, parenting, and everyday life.
In recognition of Invisible Disabilities Awareness Week, I put together this short video to offer a glimpse behind the scenes of my life with rheumatoid arthritis and other chronic health conditions. It’s a reminder that just because someone looks healthy doesn’t mean they aren’t working incredibly hard to manage their health. So much of the effort involved in living with chronic illness happens out of sight, but that doesn’t make it any less real.
