Good morning, everyone! ☀️ Today, I want to take a moment to talk about a topic that’s incredibly important yet often misunderstood: invisible disabilities. Just because someone doesn’t appear disabled doesn’t mean they aren’t.

I was very sad and honestly angered when I heard A friend of mine, who is disabled, had their disability questioned recently, which I find just terribly sad, people have the misconception that a disability is only visible if someone is in a wheelchair or uses a cane.

However, the truth is much more complex. Conditions like bone diseases, , arthritis, fibromyalgia ,vascular issues, and mental health challenges can be debilitating yet those living with them may look perfectly fine on the outside. They could even appear healthier than you!

It’s essential to realize that being able to perform daily tasks does not negate someone’s disability. Many individuals living with invisible disabilities smile through their pain, laugh to feel “normal,” and push themselves to maintain their homes and lives as best as they can. Some hire help to manage cleaning or meal prep, especially when their condition makes these tasks overwhelming. It may have taken them three days to get their house to look clean as it would take you maybe three hours .

When a holiday comes around and you expect this disabled person to entertain you by having turkey or ham, or whatever the mail may be, don’t forget to ask if they need assistance because if they have arthritis, for example, in their hands, it may be difficult for them to chop things if they have a bone disease, it might be hard for them to stand for hours at a time or carry the food to the table or lift a heavy turkey from the oven to the top of the stove

So, when you go to someone’s home for dinner or step into a well-kept home, remember: it doesn’t mean the person isn’t facing challenges behind the scenes.

Depending on the disability, insurance or Medicaid might cover assistance only once or twice a month. This means that some days, they are alone in tackling household tasks while managing chronic pain that the average person couldn’t endure for long. I personally think that should come with all disabilities if you are on Social Security SSI Medicaid, whatever and you have a form of disability, I think it should be mandatory that once a month you get housekeeping for free

It’s time to challenge the stereotypes surrounding disabilities. Whether you’re a child, a teenager, middle-aged, or elderly, no one should have to justify their disability. Unfortunately, there are still rude and ignorant individuals who question or mock those who don’t fit their narrow views of what a “disabled person” looks like.

I’ve experienced days where the pain was so intense that I had to force myself to clean or cook simply because no one else would do it for me. The idea that my space should be dirty just because I have a disability is not only unfair but also utterly incorrect. Living with chronic pain is exhausting. It doesn’t just last for days or weeks; it can go on for years. We shouldn’t have to defend our existence or justify our struggles simply because we don’t display traditional signs of disability.

Awareness and understanding are key! It’s time to stop making assumptions and start embracing the diverse experiences of those with disabilities. Not all disabilities are visible, and it’s crucial for society to recognize this truth.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. I hope that each of you has a blessed day and may you experience a pain-free life. Remember, a little kindness and empathy can go a long way! 💖