“Health is a crown that the healthy wear, but only the sick can see it.”
– Imam Shafi’ee

Since I first read Shafi'ee's quote, it has spoken deeply to me. The quote, however, holds a different meaning for me than it would for the visibly sick. As a person with three invisible illnesses, I look like I wear the crown of health. Most days, I move normally, hold a conversation with others, and live a normal life. At least on the outside, I am able to fake it.

This is the first article of a series I'm writing on about invisible illnesses and disabilities. I've been wanting to write this for a while, but I just couldn't set my mind to it. Now, let me introduce myself to you, my readers. My name is Kaelah Byrom, and I have Fibromyalgia, Ehlers-Danlos Hypermobility and Generalized Anxiety Disorder. I could go on for a whole page or more describing all the symptoms and pains that come with each of my illnesses, but there would be no point. There are so many invisible illnesses with their individual symptoms that it’s pointless to write and describe my pain. Rather, I write because many people lack the understanding and awareness of those struggling with invisible illnesses and disabilities.

I am able to do a lot, even though I am sick, but in high school that was not the case. A college schedule gives me more opportunity for rest, and I am able to do mostly what I want to do. My dreams and hopes are as real as they have ever been, but still, these illnesses have made my future uncertain. There is no guarantee that I won’t be in a wheelchair at some point in my life. There may also be a time when I won’t be able to work. As my future becomes uncertain, I mourn losing the abilities I am grateful I have. I’ve had to make the most of each day I live as normally as possible, but this is what has made me stronger.

I have grown so angry over such small things people say to me, but they just don’t understand. The greatest thing I have learned is I can’t expect anyone to understand, but I can expect them to try to be empathetic. The friends who empathize and try to understand are the friends worth keeping close.