This too shall pass
Stress is difficult to manage, especially with an autoimmune disease.
Everything is temporary—both pain and pleasure. And having an autoimmune disease has taught me that.
Approximately 80% of all patients who have autoimmune diseases are women. So, on top of the other things women must endure, add another source of stress onto the list. And boy oh boy, does stress have an affect on your inner body.
I was diagnosed with Hidradenitis Suppurativa when I was 19. It’s an incurable inflammatory skin disease that debilitates certain parts of my body. If things ever got too out of control, skin grafts would be my only option.
Last week, I spent 5 days in bed recovering from a flare up. Doesn’t sound that glamorous, but I was proud of the rest and care I gave to myself. Because 5 years ago when I got diagnosed, I would’ve felt isolated and helpless. But when my body is fighting—I had to quickly learn that I must be there for it. That the only way to get better was to be patient, give myself what I need. And that need? Rest. I don’t think I need to go into detail about the present-day stresses. Between winter storms and pandemics and Zoom fatigue and governments not caring about their people, ya girl’s body is destined to react. It’s her way of telling me, “Kill the noise. Turn off the phone. We’re burnt out.”
Don’t get me wrong—having an autoimmune disease is just as rewarding as it is debilitating. It’s taught me to remain present every single day. To have an elevated love for the body my soul lives in. To enjoy the moments of calm before the storm. And to navigate the storm when it hits landfall.
So the journey of the woman is no easy feat. And in honor of Women’s History Month, I want to share the woman who has helped me along my journey. Selma Blair (our Queen Hellboy) was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2018. I listen to her sometimes when I’m feeling tired. When I need to be brought back to my body. When I need to know that other women are within this energy alongside me. That they’re learning and listening to their bodies and being present. Because even though it may look a little different—we’re all navigating the journey.