Columns

Surviving a life-threatening event or other trauma can create guilt, even when others who’ve been through similar trauma may not have the same result. This condition is known as survivor’s guilt, and it’s an important mental health concern. A question related to this from an audience member during a…

When my Cushing’s symptoms first appeared, I thought they were due to a virus and I’d only be out of commission for about a week. When a week turned into several months, I began to wonder if something else was going on. I thought that maybe the symptoms were due…

Last week during a panel discussion, fellow columnist Claire Richmond, who writes for Porphyria News, talked about the effects of medical post-traumatic stress disorder. It took me some time, but I eventually realized that it was something I had suffered from, too. After reflecting on my own journey,…

I’d love to say that I’m always strong, but the truth is I’m not. Positivity is a look I wear well, but everyone has bad hair days. In my weaker moments, I try to remind myself that the beauty of being human is that we have imperfections, but sometimes the…

Cushing’s disease causes a great deal of change, both physical and emotional. For some, these changes happen slowly over time, while for others, they’re more rapid. About four years passed between the onset of my symptoms and my diagnosis. The differences in how I felt were subtle, making it…

An advocate’s most important characteristics are authenticity and transparency. When we share our stories with others, it’s important to tell the entire story, not just the best parts. Journeys are not always beautiful. They can be dark, nasty, and ugly, but if you can persevere, rewards await you. Never lose…

The crisp morning felt surreal. Whimsical frost on leaves outside my window reminded me that life has its seasons. Some seasons we succumb to struggles that we think hold us back, and other seasons we live in celebrations of triumph, with knowledge that there is sunshine after rain. It was…

Traveling with an invisible illness can be physically demanding and emotionally taxing. So much planning is involved, along with so much physical movement and running around. Being away from your normal element and comfort items can be a difficult transition as well. Living away from my home state, where my…

I met my wife 15 years ago. At the time, I was just starting a career, I was active and regularly worked out, and I had a nice physique. My confidence was high. Then, in my early 30s, my wife started to question whether I was still attracted to her.

Master Chief Boatswain’s Mate Carl Brashear‘s name is synonymous with resilience and determination. Brashear, who became the first Black master diver in the U.S. Navy, had to deal with pervasive racism from Navy colleagues. Additionally, in 1966, he suffered an injury that resulted in the amputation of his leg.