Cardiovascular Disease

1. The American Psychiatric Association defines mental illness the same way it defines heart disease or diabetes: measurable changes in how your brain and body function.

2. Brain scans prove it. Large MRI and fMRI studies find consistent patterns in people with:

• Depression (altered activity in mood-regulating networks)

• PTSD (smaller hippocampus and overactive amygdala “fear circuits”)

• Anxiety disorders (hyperactive threat-detection)

• Schizophrenia (distinct structural and connectivity changes)

These show up across thousands of scans.

3. Mental illness affects the whole body. Studies link depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder with immune changes, inflammation, hormone shifts and metabolic patterns.

4. It’s not “in your head” — it’s in your biology.

Thoughts, trauma, genetics, stress, and environment all shape real, physical brain circuits. Recovery also shows up on brain scans after therapy, medication, and support.

If you’re struggling, you’re not weak, broken, or imagining it. You’re dealing with a legitimate health condition, and help is available.

#BPD #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder #MentalHealth #PTSD #Anxiety #Schizophrenia

Parenting is hard work that takes effort, patience, and a lot of energy — and doing it while managing a chronic illness adds an extra layer of challenges that often requires additional compassion and support.

What advice, tips, or encouraging words would you share about parenting with a chronic illness?

📖 Need a Mighty read? Check out today’s Story of the Week for more tips and insight:
4 Guilt-Free Tips for Parenting With a Chronic Illness

#ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #MentalHealth #Disability #Caregiving #RareDisease #Migraine #Stroke #CardiovascularDisease #AutonomicDysfunction #PosturalOrthostaticTachycardiaSyndrome #Spoonie #Lupus #Endometriosis
#Cancer #Anxiety #PTSD #CheckInWithMe

Managing a chronic illness can be both challenging and costly — from doctor’s visits to treatments, medications, and surgeries. That’s why finding the right products, items, or services that ease uncomfortable symptoms, reduce stress, or bring even a moment of comfort can make such a difference.

What’s been most helpful for you in managing your chronic illness?

Share with us in the comments below!

📚 Looking for recommendations and insights? Check out today’s Story of the Week here: 27 Items People Have Splurged on to Help Them Manage Their C...

#ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #MentalHealth #Disability #Caregiving #RareDisease #Migraine #Stroke #CardiovascularDisease #AutonomicDysfunction #PosturalOrthostaticTachycardiaSyndrome #Spoonie #Lupus #Endometriosis #Cancer #Anxiety #PTSD #CheckInWithMe

Managing chronic pain is challenging—physically, emotionally, and mentally. It can also feel isolating as you try to figure out what works best for you and your body. But discovering helpful coping mechanisms, tips and tricks for relief, supportive communities, and reliable resources can make a meaningful difference, even if just for a moment. You are not alone!

Our Tips, Tricks, and Hacks for Chronic Pain collection brings together real-life insights and practical strategies shared by people who understand. Whether you're looking for new ways to ease discomfort or simply feel seen, this collection—and our Mighty community—is here to support you. 🌟

Explore the collection here:
Tips, Tricks, and Hacks for Chronic Pain

#ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #MentalHealth #Disability #Caregiving #RareDisease #Migraine #Stroke #CardiovascularDisease #AutonomicDysfunction #POTS #Spoonie #Lupus #Endometriosis #Depression
#Cancer #Anxiety #PTSD #CheckInWithMe