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In this episode Nichi speaks with Katharine Mullings, a resilient mother of three, qualified counsellor, and advocate for living authentically with invisible conditions. Katharine shares her raw and powerful journey from living a healthy, carefree life to being diagnosed with three invisible illnesses—ankylosing spondylitis, celiac disease, and hypothyroidism—while raising her young family. She opens up about the challenges of navigating the UK's healthcare system, her experiences with acceptance, and the struggle for validation within medical and social spaces. Her story highlights the power of advocacy, persistence, and redefining success on your own terms.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Road to Diagnosis: Katharine discusses journey to being diagnosed with three invisible illnesses over a six-year period, and a physiotherapist who really listened.
2. The Power of Advocacy: Both Katharine and Nichi reflect on how vital it is for healthcare professionals to listen to patients. 
3. Living with Invisible Illnesses: Katharine opens up about the daily pain, fatigue, and unpredictability of life with ankylosing spondylitis. 
4. Acceptance vs. Resistance: The shift in mindset—from stubborn resistance to self-acceptance—was transformative in finding peace and redefining success. 
5. Pacing & Boundaries: Learning to pace activities and set boundaries was a key part of Katharine's journey. 
6. The Role of Identity & Self-Worth: Katharine reflects on how what  gave her a renewed sense of purpose, helping her reclaim herself beyond just being a mother or patient.
7. Social Isolation & Community: Katharine describes the emotional toll of isolation that comes with invisible illnesses and realising that connection and socialising were crucial to her mental well-being.
8. Adapting to a New Normal: Katharine learned to adapt to her “new normal” by focusing on values-driven living, prioritising quality time with family, walks by the coast, and maintaining meaningful relationships. 
9. Advice for Others Living with Invisible Conditions: Come to terms with your condition and recognise that it's okay to ask for help; Learn to pace yourself, even on good days, and avoid overdoing it; Surround yourself with supportive people who understand your experience and communicate your needs clearly to loved ones and healthcare providers.

Links:
Follow Katharine on Instagram:  
@ankylosingspondylitis_mumma
@theeastlondoncounsellor

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Intro and Outro music: Inspirational Acoustic - Organic Harmony by Sonican; and Andrii Poradovskyi from Pixabay.

Disclaimer: This content is general in nature and intended for educational purposes only. It is not deemed as psychological treatment and does not replace the advice from your health professional or need for psychological treatment.