In this episode, I explore how faith can play a role in finding meaning and purpose while living with an invisible disability. We’ll talk about navigating the emotional and spiritual challenges that come with chronic illness, how to reconcile frustration and hope, and ways to lean on your beliefs to find strength in difficult moments. If you’ve ever wondered how to stay grounded, find purpose, or connect your faith to your experience of disability, this episode offers encouragement and insight.

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• Facebook: www.facebook.com/walkingwithheather

• TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@walkingwithheather

• Patreon: www.patreon.com/walkingwithheather

In this episode, I talk about the often-overlooked reality of social loss for those living with invisible disabilities. Friendships can change or fade when chronic illness or disability enters the picture, and it can feel isolating and heartbreaking. We’ll discuss why this happens, how to process grief around lost connections, and ways to build meaningful relationships that understand and respect your boundaries. If you’ve struggled with friends pulling away or not understanding your needs, this episode offers perspective, reassurance, and practical guidance.

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• Facebook: www.facebook.com/walkingwithheather

• TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@walkingwithheather

• Patreon: www.patreon.com/walkingwithheather

In this episode, I dive into what it really means to be labeled a “difficult” patient and why advocating for yourself in the medical system is not the same as being aggressive. We’ll explore the fine line between standing up for your health needs and being misunderstood, how invisible disabilities often make advocacy necessary, and why it’s okay to insist on being heard and taken seriously. If you’ve ever felt frustrated, dismissed, or afraid to speak up in a doctor’s office, this episode is for you.

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• Facebook: www.facebook.com/walkingwithheather

• TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@walkingwithheather

• Patreon: www.patreon.com/walkingwithheather

When people hear the word “ableism,” they often think of blatant discrimination — things like refusing someone a job because of a disability. But the truth is, ableism often hides in plain sight. It’s in the comments people make, the assumptions they hold, and the systems that were never designed with us in mind.

In this episode, I’m breaking down what ableism really looks like for people living with invisible disabilities — from the subtle moments of disbelief and judgment to the ways our needs are minimized or ignored. I’ll talk about how it shows up in workplaces, healthcare, and even in everyday conversations, and how we can start recognizing and challenging it when we see it.

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• Facebook: www.facebook.com/walkingwithheather

• TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@walkingwithheather

• Patreon: www.patreon.com/walkingwithheather

For people living with invisible disabilities, hearing the word “lazy” can be painful and frustrating. In this episode, I unpack how this word is often used to dismiss real struggles with fatigue, pain, or brain fog, and how it impacts self-esteem and daily life. I explore why being called “lazy” is rarely about choice and discuss ways we can reframe the conversation around productivity, energy, and self-compassion.

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• Facebook: www.facebook.com/walkingwithheather

• TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@walkingwithheather

• Patreon: www.patreon.com/walkingwithheather

There are few things more frustrating or more damaging than being dismissed by the very people who are supposed to help you. Medical gaslighting happens when symptoms are ignored, minimized, or blamed on anxiety, stress, or weight instead of being taken seriously. For those of us living with invisible disabilities, this experience is far too common and often delays real diagnosis and treatment for years.

In this episode, I’m talking about what medical gaslighting looks like, how it affects both our physical and emotional health, and why it’s so important to trust what our bodies are telling us. I’ll also explore how we can advocate for ourselves in medical settings and start to rebuild trust after being dismissed or disbelieved.

If you’ve ever walked out of an appointment feeling unheard or doubting your own experience, this episode will hit close to home.

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• Facebook: www.facebook.com/walkingwithheather

• TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@walkingwithheather

• Patreon: www.patreon.com/walkingwithheather

Saying “no” should be simple, but for many of us living with invisible disabilities, it comes with a heavy weight of guilt. Whether it’s turning down social plans, declining extra work, or even saying no to family, that one word can leave us feeling like we’ve let everyone down.

In this episode, I’m talking about why saying no is so hard, how guilt shows up in our lives, and why setting boundaries isn’t selfish — it’s survival. I’ll share the ways we can begin to shift our perspective on rest, learn to protect our energy, and remind ourselves that our health has to come first.

If you’ve ever struggled with the guilt of saying no, this conversation is for you.

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• Facebook: www.facebook.com/walkingwithheather

• TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@walkingwithheather

• Patreon: www.patreon.com/walkingwithheather

Chronic fatigue is one of the most common and often misunderstood symptoms for people living with invisible disabilities. In this episode, I talk about what chronic fatigue really feels like, why it’s more than just being tired, and how it can impact daily life in ways others might not see.

We’ll explore the physical, emotional, and mental challenges of living with persistent exhaustion, discuss strategies for managing energy, and highlight the importance of self-compassion when your body doesn’t match your intentions. This episode is for anyone who wants a better understanding of chronic fatigue and the realities of living with it.

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• Facebook: www.facebook.com/walkingwithheather

• TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@walkingwithheather

• Patreon: www.patreon.com/walkingwithheather

Some days, simply getting through life with an invisible disability or chronic illness can feel like a full-time job. In this episode, we'll explore what it really means to live in “survival mode” when your body doesn’t cooperate and your symptoms are invisible to others.

I'll discuss the physical, emotional, and mental challenges of daily life, shares coping strategies, and emphasizes the importance of pacing and self-compassion. If you’ve ever felt like just functioning is a victory, this episode is for you.

Connect with Heather:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/walkingwithheather

• TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@walkingwithheather

• Patreon: www.patreon.com/walkingwithheather

Grieving Your Old Life: The Loss No One Sees

When you live with an invisible disability, the grief you carry isn’t always about what people expect. It’s not just about a diagnosis—it’s about losing the version of yourself you used to be. The one who could move freely, live spontaneously, and exist without constantly planning around symptoms or limitations.

In this episode, Heather dives deep into the silent grief so many in the invisible disability community face—the loss that comes without a funeral, without casseroles, and without recognition. She shares why this grief is valid, how it can show up in unexpected ways, and why acknowledging it is a critical step toward healing.

If you’ve ever looked back at your old life and felt the ache of what’s gone, this conversation is for you. You are not alone. Your grief is real. And your story matters.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• The hidden nature of grief with invisible disabilities
• Why this grief often goes unrecognized by others
• The emotional toll of losing abilities, independence, and identity
• How to honor and process this unique kind of loss
• Why you are still whole—right here, right now
• 
  

Connect with Heather:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090200150738

Patreon: https://patreon.com/LivingBeyondtheInvisible

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