My name is Rebecca and I suffer from Invisible Illnesses. Illnesses that one can’t see with their naked eye, ones that you may not even notice until you get to know me really well. I don’t wear a cast, I’m not in a wheel chair and to most, I look normal. I know how to act and fake that I’m fine. “Fake it ’til you make it” is a skill I’ve mastered.

But what you don’t know is that I am actively fighting a multitude of Mental Illnesses. I have been diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Adjustment Disorder, Treatment Resistant Depression and now, most recently, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. There is a battle raging in my mind daily that no one can see. I often feel like I’m alone. Like I’m the only one suffering, but I know that’s not true. I know there are many others out there fighting this same battle. 

It’s so easy to feel alone in this fight. But part of the reason I’m writing here is so you might see that someone else is struggling too. That you’ll see and hear my struggle with you in the trenches and be encouraged to fight another hour. 

Let’s break this stigma around mental health. Let’s cry out from the deepest pits of despair and let the world know that just because you can’t see our illnesses or sign our casts, doesn’t mean we’re any less sick or deserving of care. 

So, if you’re interested, follow along as I document some of my day to day struggles, not for pity or attention, but to encourage those who are also there. If you’re a family member of someone who also struggles, I hope my words can help you understand maybe a bit of what they’re unable to articulate.

But mainly, I just want you to know that you’re valuable. You’re worth it. The world needs you here. Keep going. It is worth the fight. 

Love, 

Becca