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FeaturedFriends in the FightThe Undefeated

Celebrating Our Diverse Brains

by Ariela Paulsen September 14, 2020September 29, 2020
written by Ariela Paulsen
Celebrating Our Diverse Brains

We’ve been exploring this week the concept of neurodiversity — that the world isn’t split between neurotypical and neurodivergent people, but rather we all have gloriously different brains with unique strengths and perspectives to bring to the table.

Read more about neurodiversity here

As a teacher in alternative and special education programs, I only recently discovered this term.  I have no diagnosis of ADHD, autism, or other widely-accepted forms of neurodivergence, but I exhibit many traits of these so-called “disorders.”  I learned recently from medical experts that traits of neurodivergence are extremely common in people with EDS, POTS, and MCAS (the chronic illnesses I live with).  But of course!  My nerves, spine, and brain have all been affected by my conditions.

Whether from my medical conditions, my upbringing, or simply how I am wired, I have a richly complex mind.  I am extremely introverted, so while I get lost in group settings, I feel suddenly brilliant when I’m alone.  I am hypersensitive, so although I get overwhelmed by sensory overload, I notice and feel everything around me.  I have central sensitization from chronic pain; however painful these mixed up messages from my brain and nerves can be, they have made me able to push through discomfort and deeply grateful for silence and stillness. The dysfunction of my autonomic nervous system from POTS (and trauma), can make my brain’s prefrontal cortex shut down at times, but it also makes me deeply empathic…

For the longest time, I felt embarrassed to show my neurodiversity.  I would mask myself, pretending to follow along when I was really staring through thick brain fog, and hold back my ideas when worried they’d be perceived as too “out there.”  As I’ve learned to understand and accept myself and my brain, I have let the mask slip.  And it is wonderful.  Sure, I’m still excluded and stigmatized in some situations, but I am valued for who I am in the circles that really matter.  Being honest has created space to make the changes I need to harness my strengths — often simple changes like putting my feet up and leaning back, so that the blood trapped in my feet can flow freely to my brain.  And what’s more, this has opened the door for others in the circle to let their brains shine as well!

At Mighty Well, we know that it’s our differences that make us incredible.  We love one another because of our disabilities, our chronic illness journeys, and our compassion towards those whose life experiences are different than our own.  That’s why we strive to invite all voices to the conversation.  

This week, we’ve chatted with Friends in the Fight about their brains!  Click below to see their stories, or share your own in our Friends in the Fight facebook group!

Melody Olander

Non-profit CEO / founder, chronic illness advocate, and Mighty Well Ambassador

 www.butudontlooksick.com 

@butyoudontlooksickofficial

Click here for Melody’s story!

Claire Lapat

College student, post-concussion syndrome warrior, and Mighty Well ambassador

@chronicpains.chronicgains

https://chronicpainschronicgains.weebly.com/

Click here for Claire’s story!

Rebecca Wexler

Nurse, mother of twins, and chronic illness warrior 

Click here for Rebecca’s story!

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Ariela Paulsen

Ari struggled with a wide array of health problems for decades before being diagnosed with EDS/POTS/MCAS/etc at age 25. She began writing as a way to heal while spreading information and helping others through their own journeys. She loves being part of the Mighty Well team, sharing the stories and strengths of spoonies everywhere!

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One positive that came out of the pandemic was tha One positive that came out of the pandemic was that many of us were able to have flexible working arrangements. As more states lift restrictions, heading back to work after months of working from home can be a huge adjustment for so many of us. Allowing time in our schedules for commuting, brushing up on our social skills, and making sure to have access to our medical supplies are just a few things we need to prepare for.

📸 Mighty Well ambassador @ameliablackwater headed back to the classroom last week and is working on finding a happy balance of working, socializing, and finding time for herself. 

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Life is full of uncertainties. But there will alwa Life is full of uncertainties. But there will always be a sunrise after every sunset 🌅

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We really love this message from @lizandmollie. In We really love this message from @lizandmollie. In fact, we couldn't have said it better ourselves 🤗 Chronic illness is filled with ups and downs and everyday will look a little different. Know that you're doing your best even on the days that you are flaring, in pain or fatigued. Remember that we are here to support you on the good days, the bad days and all the ones in between 💚 
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You can hardly wait to tell everyone what happened You can hardly wait to tell everyone what happened and  suddenly start talking and realize you don't know where the story is going...has this happened to anyone else lately 🙋‍♂️We've been there! Brain fog, perhaps the most universal aspect of illness, is exhausting. Cognitive disorders can be frustrating but take solace in knowing that you are not alone. We've all experienced that foggy feeling 🌫 and although it's not permanent, it can arrive quickly and definitely overstay its welcome. 

Looking for a little help getting the fog to lift? Our Brain Fog Fix Planner is more than just a reminder system. It includes space to track daily symptoms, hydration, thoughts and moments of gratitude amidst the daily challenges and is brought to you with input from our Friends in the Fight® Click the link in our bio to find out more. 
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We've got your back! Our Mighty Pack is the first We've got your back! Our Mighty Pack is the first medical backpack designed by patients, for patients. Our backpack is perfect for wheelchair users, as it has multiple strap locations to allow for flexibility. Nobody needs to know that you are carrying or wearing your essential medical devices and supplies. As patients ourselves, this is a product that we wish we’d had! 💪💚 Best of all this can be purchased with most FSAs (Flexible Spending Accounts) and HSAs (Health Savings Accounts) Click on the photo to take a look inside the Mighty Pack. 

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