It all started with me reading an article. I was on Facebook reading an article from a support group, and I had the idea to write my own article for The Mighty. I wrote my first article about the positives of my condition, and the next thing I knew it was published. Ever since then, I have been hooked. I am hooked on writing, I am hooked on advocating for chronic illness, and most importantly, I am hooked on the feeling of simultaneously doing both.
My first article was just for the fun of it, but what I didn’t realize was how much it would help others in my chronic illness support groups. When I posted the article, I was met with positive comments, shares, and friend requests. At that point, I realized I could really help others from my groups. I have since written countless articles about experiences I feel others in my groups can relate to. I have come to love the feeling of posting an article in a group and knowing it can help others going through the same experiences.
Recently I realized that I am not only helping others, but advocating for my condition in the process. I have a rare disease that few doctors know about, so by writing, I am spreading great awareness. I have had terrible doctor’s appointments where the doctor has never heard of my condition, but I have since decided that the more I write, the more awareness there is and therefore fewer ignorant doctors. I figure, if I do not advocate for my condition, who will?
Since I have started writing, it has turned into my outlet for emotions about my condition. After bad doctor’s appointments, I write. On bad pain nights, I write. On those few good days, I write. It has turned into my therapy without me even realizing it, and I will forever be grateful for The Mighty giving me a place to express my voice so young.
I encourage any of you with chronic illnesses to do the same as I did. Take a chance, write something amazing, and learn to advocate for yourself.
Watch Kaitlyn’s Meet The Mighty Facebook Live Q&A below:
Image via Thinkstock Images
Kaitlyn (Katy) Brennan is a teenager who suffers from a variety of rare chronic illnesses including Ehlers-Danlos syndrome along with chronic hemiplegic migraines, chronic classical migraines, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, chronic fatigue and raynauds. She is very involved in Best Buddies, sign language, community service, politics, and is a third grade cheerleading coach. This past year she has learned to advocate for herself and others through her writing. You can watch her live on our Facebook page at this link: https://www.facebook.com/ChronicIllnessOnThemighty/videos/1179473948741018/
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