Welcome to Spoony Stories ❤️🥄 Sharing stories is a powerful reminder that we're not alone. Each week, we share stories from our vibrant community to hear all about their experiences being neurodivergent, chronically ill and disabled, and to get to know some of the voices that make our Spoony community so wonderful. This week, we chat with Nina from the United States!
Welcome to Spoony Stories ❤️🥄 There's such a genuinely warm and friendly community on Spoony! It's such a delight getting to know some of the brilliant people on Spoony and learning more about their experiences with neurodivergence, chronic illness and disability.
This week, we've been chatting with Nina from the United States. She opens up about her experiences being neurodivergent and chronically ill, why she's found friendships challenging in the past, and so much more! ♥️
Are you neurodivergent, chronically ill, and/or disabled?
Neurodivergent and chronically ill.
What health conditions do you have?
ME/CFS, ADHD, Dysautonomia, Fibromyalgia and Autism.
How do you explain your health conditions to other people?
I used to be more open about my health conditions, but it exposed me to a lot of ableism. So now, I only share about my health conditions to people I feel comfortable with.
What impact do your health conditions have on your daily life?
Every day is a battle. My chronic illnesses can cause a lot of fatigue and pain, which can make managing my ADHD and Autism more difficult.
What barriers have you experienced in making friends and connecting with people?
I struggle with having enough energy to look after myself and work, which leaves very little energy for socialising. I also sometimes have to cancel plans with people due to flare-ups. Sometimes people don't understand that I have to make those choices to look after myself and I've unfortunately lost quite a few friends.
What's been your experience on Spoony so far?
I feel comfortable being myself on Spoony. In a world that tries to hide and minimise chronic illness, neurodivergence and disability, it means a lot to have a platform where difference is celebrated.
Each week, we share stories from the incredible Spoony community in our newsletter, podcast, and on social media. Share your story with us.