Rare Disease

When my daughter was first (mis)diagnosed with a rare disease in 2013, not only was I utterly devastated by the news that she had a progressive disease, but I was also shocked beyond reason by the realization that such a disease even existed in the first place. That moment was reality-altering. In fact, I remember very little from that day, except [...]

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Glenda McCoy

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Rare Disease

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How My Daughter's Rare Disease Opened My Eyes

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Conquer Your Mind 2h

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Depression can make life feel like something that starts later. Later, when you feel stronger. Later, when you’re more healed. Later, when you’ve caught up, figured things out, or become the version of yourself you think you’re supposed to be. But if you keep postponing your life until you feel better, you can end up missing the small moments that are part of healing too.

Recovery is not only about getting to a better future. It is also about learning how to be present for the life you still have right now. You do not need to wait until everything feels okay before you let yourself rest, connect, notice something beautiful, or care for yourself. Your life is still here, even while you are healing.

What helps you come back to the present when your mind keeps telling you life begins later?

Also, if you're going through a tough time right now, I want you to know that I post mental health videos about how to deal with painful thoughts. So if you or anyone you know is struggling and wants help, click on one of the links below or write me if you have any questions you want me to answer:

~ Thanks to all. Thanks for all. ~

#MentalHealth #MentalHealth #Depression #Anxiety #BipolarDisorder #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder #Addiction #dissociativedisorders #ObsessiveCompulsiveDisorder #ADHD #Fibromyalgia #EhlersDanlosSyndrome #PTSD #Cancer #RareDisease #Disability #Autism #Diabetes #EatingDisorders #ChronicIllness #ChronicPain #RheumatoidArthritis #Suicide #MightyTogether

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#52SmallThings #CheckInWithMe #Selfcare #MentalHealth #Disability #ChronicIllness #ChronicPain #RareDisease #Anxiety #Depression
#Autism #Parenting #PTSD #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder #BipolarDisorder #Fibromyalgia #Lupus #MultipleSclerosis #Migraine #Spoonie

52 Small Things 9h

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What are some situations where you struggle to communicate effectively?

No matter how long you've known someone or been in a situation or circumstance, sometimes it's still super challenging to communicate effectively. No judgment here, we totally get it. 🙋

@sparklywartanks says she struggles to communicate effectively when she feels uncomfortable, anxious, or around someone she hasn't spoken to in a long time.

What about you? In what situations is it challenging for you to communicate effectively?

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Conquer Your Mind 1d

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When you’re struggling with depression, other people’s opinions can feel much louder than they should. You may start questioning whether you’re healing fast enough, whether you’re making the right choices, or whether you need to explain yourself so everyone else feels comfortable with your recovery.

But not every opinion deserves equal weight. You can listen to people you trust without carrying every judgment, expectation, or misunderstanding with you. Protecting your peace does not mean ignoring everyone. It means learning which voices help you heal and which ones only make you doubt yourself.

Part of recovery is learning to trust yourself again.

What is one opinion you’re trying to stop carrying with you?

~ Thanks to all. Thanks for all. ~

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52 Small Things 1d

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Who in your life do you communicate most effectively with?

Whether it’s with strangers, ourselves, or with people we know, we are constantly communicating with those around us. And, like many things in life, practice, familiarity, trust, and other factors can influence how accustomed and comfortable we are with that communication (some more than others).

Who do you communicate most effectively with in your life?

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Conquer Your Mind 3d

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Depression can make a feeling start to sound like an identity. “I feel hopeless” becomes “I am hopeless.” “I feel overwhelmed” becomes “I can’t handle my life.” When an emotion is intense enough, it can be hard to remember that what you’re experiencing right now is not a complete description of who you are or what your future will be.

Your anger, fear, sadness, confusion, or depression deserve compassion, not judgment. You don’t have to force those feelings away or pretend everything is okay. But you can begin separating what you are feeling from who you are. Emotions can change, even when they feel permanent in the moment. You are still the person underneath them, with strengths, relationships, experiences, and possibilities that one difficult period cannot erase.

What feeling are you trying to be a little more compassionate with right now?

~ Thanks to all. Thanks for all. ~

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52 Small Things 3d

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What does "good" communication look like to you?

For this week’s self-care challenge, we’ll be focusing on ✨communication✨.

From verbal to nonverbal, written, visual, or even active listening, there are a wide variety of ways we can communicate with one other (and ourselves). What we determine to be "good" or effective communication depends on our situational needs and preferences, especially in reference to the topic we’re discussing and how we want our messages to be received or portrayed.

What does "good" communication look like for you? What helps you to feel seen and heard when interacting with someone else?

Mighty staffer @sparklywartanks says "good" communication for her involves welcoming body language, eye contact, listening without interruption, as well as a calm and understanding tone when speaking, especially in conversations when she’s discussing her feelings and concerns with someone.

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Conquer Your Mind 4d

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When you’re struggling with depression, even resting can come with guilt. You might feel like you should be doing something productive, fixing yourself, catching up, or making better use of your time. But recovery isn’t measured by how much you accomplish in a day. Sometimes taking a break, enjoying something small, spending time with someone you care about, or simply allowing yourself to exist without demanding more from yourself is part of healing too. Your worth does not rise and fall with your productivity. You are still living your life even when you are not accomplishing something.

What helps you give yourself permission to rest without feeling guilty?

~ Thanks to all. Thanks for all. ~

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52 Small Things 6d

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How can you prioritize your mental health this weekend?

Another week in the bag 👜, Mighty warriors! To conclude this week of tuning up our mental health, let's charge ahead. How can you continue to prioritize your mental health this weekend?

Mighty staffer @sparklywartanks says she’ll catch up on her sleep and watch a few of her herbalism classes.

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