Why I Started This Blog

I live with little-understood, often invisible, medical conditions. My life is a bit of a rollercoaster. I never know from one week to the next (or even one day to the next) how I will be. But I’m a warrior, a fighter, and I try my best to live each day and never give up.

Nineteen years ago, I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. Six years ago, I was diagnosed with a chronic pain condition known as Fibromyalgia. And more recently, I was also diagnosed with ADHD, which honestly explained a lot. On my health journey, I’ve learned the power of self-care skills to improve my health and well-being.

I’ve had a couple of fairly good weeks, where I’ve been able to get out and about and keep myself fresh for work. However, this also has its payback, and for a few days, I’ve been having a lot of pain and a minor depression episode.

My fibromyalgia started around the year 2014. It began with chronic pain in my hands, wrists, and joints. It took three years until I could finally get a diagnosis. In those years, I was told that my symptoms were due to various types of arthritis and depression, and more than once, that they were all in my head. It was a very frustrating time, especially when all the tests and X-rays kept coming back clear.

When I finally did get my diagnosis, it was a huge relief to have a name for what I was experiencing. However, that relief was short-lived once I realized that many people still don’t consider fibromyalgia to be a “real” illness. If a condition doesn’t have a medical test to confirm it, then apparently it doesn’t exist, at least, that’s what some people think.

My main fibromyalgia symptoms are severe, widespread pain, chronic fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, memory problems (we call it “fibro fog”), sleep issues, and irritable bowel syndrome, though there are plenty more that affect me to different degrees. Like many people with fibromyalgia, I look much better than I feel, and the condition is often described as an invisible illness for that reason. Because there’s no obvious sign of illness, people may not believe you’re as sick as you say, and that disbelief can come from medical professionals, family, friends, or complete strangers.

With Bipolar Disorder, I experience extreme mood swings and big shifts in energy levels. The symptoms vary depending on the type of bipolar disorder you have and whether you’re in a manic or depressive episode.

Fortunately, some of my symptoms are at a more manageable level these days, thanks to a combination of medication, supplements, and self-management techniques I’ve picked up over the years.

I believe that every person with fibromyalgia, bipolar disorder, or ADHD has their part to play in telling the world about these conditions and how they affect us. Each of us is different, and we’re all affected in different ways, but raising awareness is one way we can push for better understanding and care.

I hope that in the future, we’ll know what causes fibromyalgia, and that we’ll have real, effective treatments. Right now, symptoms are treated individually, and the help you get depends on where you live. And unfortunately, there are still far too many healthcare professionals who dismiss the condition entirely.

I also hope that one day, when someone asks what’s wrong and I say “Fibromyalgia,” I won’t get the response, “Fibro what?” The same goes for Bipolar Disorder and ADHD.

This is why I created this blog: to educate, to inspire, and to remind others that you can be skillfully well, even when living with chronic illness or mental health conditions.

I also want this blog to be a space where I can talk about mental health, relationships, and healing. Because I’ve been through a lot, and I know how isolating it can feel. I’m not a licensed psychologist or therapist, and I’ll never pretend to be. Everything I share here comes from my own lived experiences, years of self-education, and lessons I’ve picked up along the way. And of course, I’m also a witch – so you’ll find plenty of spiritual content, rituals, intuitive insights, and witchy tips woven throughout. Whether it’s navigating mood swings or casting spells for clarity, I’m here to share what’s helped me, and maybe it’ll help you too. If you’re ever in serious doubt or distress, please reach out to a professional. Your well-being matters.

So join me as I figure it all out: celebrate the wins, learn from the mess, and laugh through the fails. ♥