Things about my condition that annoy me...

Some days nothing helps. No amount of OTC pain relievers, sleep, rest, good diet, exercise, or anything else will relieve my symptoms... I just have to wait... And I am not a patient person.

Living Conditionally and Parenting

Today my son and I ended up talking about my mental and physical health issues. He's 17. He said "wow, I'm really glad *I* don't have to deal with any of that".

For a moment, I hesitated.

Not all mental health issues start at puberty. Not all mental health issues manifest in teen years. Although more rare, there are a few that may not start until mid twenties.

Then, I told him a hard truth. I told him he's not out of the woods yet. From my genetics he has a higher chance of depression, anxiety, and maybe a personality disorder (terrible label, but it is what it is). He has shown absolutely no signs of this. He's an amazingly happy, well adjusted kid.

But that's only half the story.

His father's genetics carry a small chance of schizophrenia and the schizo-related personality disorders (terrible label). Those are the more likely to manifest later, in young adulthood. (This isn't a rule, it's a tendency).

Why did I tell him? Simple answer, he needs to know. If, some time in the future, he starts having symptoms, he'll have the information he needs to have the best chances of catching it early and getting help if needed.

Because suffering for years, not knowing that what you're experiencing isn't normal, is a horrible thing.

Things about my condition that annoy me...

I had to sit all day because too ouchy and tired to stand or do much... As a result, my hips and knees hurt MORE because I sat all day.

Things about my condition that annoy me...

Random bad feelings. No cause, no trigger, just suddenly and inexplicably feeling unwell. Defining "unwell" is difficult. Today it was my head feeling wrong, like when you take cold medicine and your head feels bad from the medicine. Only I didn't take any cold medicine. On and off all day. Seriously limits functioning.

Things about my condition that annoy me...

Getting out of bed, slowly because it hurts, then going back to bed an hour later because you're too exhausted to stay upright.

Things about my condition that annoy me...

Winter magnifies symptoms, so I become a hibernating zombie for several months.