Surviving and Thriving
— Paris Dancy

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…

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,…

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…

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.

Last weekend, I watched three really good movies: “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” “A Journal For Jordan,” and “Avengers: Endgame.” They had great directing, acting, and life lessons, and each conveyed major themes about choice and time. On Nov. 9, 2015, I underwent transsphenoidal surgery that lasted about five hours.

What is a typical day like for someone dealing with Cushing’s disease? Some people who are unfamiliar with this disease have asked me this question. My usual answer is, “It’s fine.” But to be honest, it is not fine — it can be extremely difficult. I can’t speak for everyone,…

The beginning of a new year is always a good time to think about ways to improve our self-care. As a counselor, when I first meet with clients during a counseling or coaching session, I ask about their biggest strengths and weaknesses. Although it may seem like a simple question,…

Editor’s note: This column discusses suicide. Please find resources for help at the end of the column. Living with a disability or an illness is difficult, not only for the patient, but for his family and his caregivers, as well, and it’s not uncommon for those dealing with a chronic…

The new year will soon be upon us, providing another opportunity for growth, change, and advancement. This has been a year of consistency and demonstration for me. I did not start the year where I wanted to be, but I am finishing it exactly where I am supposed to be.

Communication involves a message being delivered and a message being received. Experiencing symptoms of a pituitary gland tumor or Cushing’s disease is an example of our body communicating with us, telling us something isn’t right. The worst thing we can do is ignore our body when it is trying…

Usually, when we ask a question, we receive an answer. But for those of us dealing with pituitary tumors and Cushing’s disease, one of the hardest parts is that there often aren’t answers. While struggling with my pituitary adenoma in 2015, I constantly asked myself, “How did this happen?”…