So, I just want to say my prayers go out to Venus Williams, another young woman who has been diagnosed with Sjogern's Syndrome. She and I are both young to have been diagnosed with this, and while usually just inconvenient, it can be more than that. I am affected by sunlight, too much and I have an outbreak, meaning extra fatigue, pain and emotional suffering. By emotional suffering, I mean the depression that often goes with an autoimmune disorder. So many of these illnesses or conditions are "invisible", meaning, you look healthy, what do you mean you're tired and you don't want to have fun with your friends anymore? Well, it means just that, and I hate it, and I want something different, and I was going to take on the world, but now I need a nap.
Depression is so prominent in our society today. It's just like that little black cloud or ball and chain the cartoon drug ladies drag around with them. Depression cost me my last job, and I think it cost me one of my oldest friendships. It creates its own fear that it will cost me my family, and then it will win.
With an autoimmune disorder or an "invisible" illness, it's almost impossible to tell people what you're going through. Depression adds to that, my husband, most wonderful man on earth, told me recently, "I used to just think it was being sad, now I know it's so much more." Yeah, sad, you can get over, depression, it has hooks and claws, it wants a host and doesn't like giving up one when it has found it.
So, to everyone out there with one of these invisible, highly toxic disorders, illnesses, curses or whatever you want to label them, I wish you well and I hope you find your peace and help.
