RESILIENCE AND PERSEVERANCE IN OVERCOMING LIFE’S CHALLENGES

Growing up, I experienced a number of health challenges, including joint pain, constant sore throat, and abdominal pain, and I was hospitalised multiple times for typhoid fever. I could not have anticipated that adulthood would present its own set of adversities and challenges. Much of my time during secondary boarding school involved managing medications.

During my teenage years, I developed an eating disorder, which persisted into adulthood. This condition affected my pregnancy, yet I was not offered treatment at the time. I requested support two years ago but was declined due to my engagement in other mental health treatments. I subsequently sought another referral last year; however, during treatment, I was informed that my specific treatment needs could not be accommodated within the standard protocol.

To provide some context:

As an adult, I received multiple diagnoses and was identified with several disabilities. Managing these as a full-time employee and single parent—with the majority of my immediate family residing abroad—has been particularly challenging, especially given the limited support available. For instance, I was diagnosed with a balance disorder and panic attacks while residing in a council hostel. This occurred amidst property issues caused by the bank repossessing the rental property due to the landlord’s mortgage default, despite my timely rent payments. Consequently, I was evicted with my young child. This was an especially difficult period, balancing school drop-offs, hospital appointments, and medical admissions.

My health conditions and disabilities include, but are not limited to:

– Comorbid mental health conditions

– Social anxiety

– Balance disorder

– Functional neurological disorder, including cognitive impairment

– Asthma

– Migraines

– Leg locking syndrome

– Insomnia

– Disordered eating, including anorexia

– Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome

– Fibromyalgia/chronic pain

– Costochondritis

– Panic attacks

– Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

– Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

– Musculoskeletal issues such as frozen shoulder, back, and neck pain

– Vertigo, dizziness, Meniere’s disease

– Anaemia

– Neurodivergence (autism, ADHD, dyslexia)

– Tinnitus

– Peri-menopause 

I received diagnoses for autism, ADHD, and dyslexia within a year; the dyslexia diagnosis was confirmed earlier this year. These diagnoses prompted reflection on my childhood, remarking a lack of interest in academics, poor attention span, and a natural preference for solitary reading over social play. Initially, I was misdiagnosed with autism. It was only after advocating for myself that professionals recognised my true neurodivergent profile. Clinicians highlighted my case as a learning example and implored me to share my experiences with others.

Life invariably presents new challenges. This year, I encountered a significant issue when a non-primary care GP provided incorrect information to the DVLA, leading to the revocation of my driver’s license. This situation remains unresolved, as I rely heavily on driving due to my disabilities. I believe this incident was discriminatory; the GP later claimed he misinterpreted the DVLA questions regarding my ADHD, but failed to consult with my healthcare providers before submitting the incorrect information, which also included confidential details without my consent. Despite the GP writing again to the DVLA after contacting my neurologist over three months ago, the process remains ongoing.

Although the neurologist recommended reducing my work hours to prevent further disabling conditions when I received diagnosis of functional neurological disorder, and the suggested treatment was not provided despite my referral to the appropriate services, I have been unable to decrease my work hours from full-time employment over the past year due to the financial demands of living expenses and managing my disabilities. 

I experience chronic fatigue that can make it challenging to prepare meals, and I also have a tendency to experience panic attacks when using public transportation.

Living with multiple disabilities makes daily life difficult. Nonetheless, I am committed to empowering others to advocate for themselves, access resources, and thrive—step by step. This journey has also involved research participation and representing underrepresented communities, notably as a Black woman with multiple disabilities. While we often face stigma and discrimination, I believe that collective efforts can help dismantle these barriers.

A person once remarked after I shared my lived experience that, for some, such struggles might result in being bed-bound, hospitalised, or giving up altogether. I hope my story illustrates resilience and the importance of support, understanding, and perseverance in overcoming life’s challenges.