In this episode of 'Into The Invisible', host Rowan is joined by Charlotte, a high school student living with a hypermobility condition and chronic pain. Recorded in May, this episode raises awareness for Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS) Month. Charlotte discusses how sports like hockey and surfing help her manage both physically and mentally. They delve into the challenges of balancing school, symptoms, and friendships, and the importance of having supportive people. Charlotte shares her experience with EDS, coping strategies, and the reality of masking with an invisible condition. They also discuss sensory issues, the importance of pacing, and finding supportive friends. Through a mix of personal anecdotes and practical advice, Charlotte provides valuable insights for others in similar situations.

In this episode of 'Into The Invisible,' we introduce Caitlin, a 24-year-old, who joins the conversation to discuss her experiences of living with juvenile idiopathic arthritis, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), autism, and ADHD. Caitlin shares valuable insights into managing chronic pain and mental health, the importance of nature, and her academic pursuits in conservation and wildlife biology at Murdoch University. She also addresses the challenges of making and maintaining friendships, the concept of 'spoons' or energy points, and the impact of having an understanding community. Tune in to gain an understanding and Caitlin's hacks to managing invisible conditions.

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In this episode of 'Into The Invisible,' host Rowan sits down with CJ, who shares their personal journey with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND). From the initial confusion and lack of diagnosis to eventually overcoming mobility challenges, CJ's story is a compelling look at perseverance and resilience. CJ also discusses their experience using mobility aids in school, facing bullying, and finding strength in support systems and personal goals. With a mix of humor and determination, CJ's story offers hope and practical advice for anyone facing similar invisible conditions.

Links:

Rubber hand illusion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxwn1w7MJvk

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Ashish's Journey

In this episode, we dive into Ashish's inspiring journey with juvenile arthritis. Diagnosed six years ago, Ashish recounts the challenges of managing an invisible condition from adolescence into adulthood. He discusses the physical and emotional impact, the struggle for a diagnosis, and the mixed emotions following his diagnosis. Through candid stories, Ashish shares how he adapted his life, including pursuing a degree in paramedicine, working in a hospital, and continuing his passion for sports. His perspective on perseverance, seeking multiple opinions, and finding light in challenging situations offers invaluable insights for listeners facing similar health challenges.

Links:

https://www.jafa.org.au/

https://www.arthritiswa.org.au/

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In the debut episode of 'Into The Invisible,' the hosts introduce the podcast dedicated to exploring unseen health conditions. Charlotte, who designed the inclusive logo, explains the thought process behind its creation. We discussed experiences of wanting to be seen and how the podcast aims to provide a platform for sharing stories and information, especially for teenagers and young adults. Various topics are covered, including the structure of future episodes, guest invitations, and ways listeners can engage by sending questions and sharing stories. The episode wraps up with information on how to support and find the podcast on platforms like Spotify, along with a teaser for future discussions about communication regarding invisible conditions.

Resources:

Email questions to [email protected]

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