Tens of millions of—if not more—women in the U.S. live with chronic illnesses or disabilities. Considering how common these experiences are, they could be (and statistically are) affecting you, your coworkers, friends, and/or family. So, for Women’s Health Week, some of us at The Newsette are here to share something we’d like the world to know about living with one or more of our disorders/diseases. We hope that it makes you feel less alone or gives you a little perspective on something your loved ones may be going through. 💕

As someone with (seemingly) long and thick hair, people are confused when I tell them I have alopecia areata. The condition involves patchy hair loss that is oftentimes triggered by stress. I’ve had multiple instances of hair loss (ex: significant bald patches) over the past five years and each time I find a new spot it sends me into a tailspin, making the alopecia worse. I wish people would realize that looks can be deceiving, and while everything may appear ok on the outside, it’s not always what it seems. To this day, I still get nervous running my hands through my hair in anticipation of the next bald spot, and I’ll never forget the feeling of finding the first one when I felt skin where hair should’ve been. —Abby Makarski, head of finance

I’d love for people to comprehend just how debilitating OCD is. When you say, “I’m so OCD!” and you mean you like to keep your room tidy, you’re perpetuating a harmful stereotype about a disorder that the WHO ranks in the top 10 most disabling conditions of any kind. I have several subtypes: Pure O, Health Anxiety, and Moral Scrupulosity. None of these make my room particularly clean (I wish), but they do make me feel like I’m being tormented by my own mind almost 24/7. Luckily, I’m beginning exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP) soon and am feeling hopeful! —Reina Sultan, editorial director

It’s hard to choose just one thing I want people to know about living with diabetes since there’s still a ton of misconceptions around the disease. That said, I’d really love for diabetics and non-diabetics alike to stop pitting the types against each other. We need (and deserve) community more than anything, which will only happen if we ditch the stigmas and stick together. —Chloe Trout, associate managing editor

Growing up with dyslexia brought me a lot of shame. There was often a disconnect between what I felt able to do and what my brain was able to handle. I ended up getting a formal diagnosis when I was in my 20s, and that brought me so much peace. I still live with all the same effects of dyslexia, but now I know how to navigate them. I want folks to know that sometimes simple tasks take a lot out of me. Reading for long periods can exhaust my brain (by the end of the work day, I’m fried), and I miss things that would be obvious to others. It might take me a little longer to complete tasks, but that’s because I know my brain needs a little more time to get it right! —Nora D.

Dealing with eczema since childhood has taught me a lot, especially about finding balance in skincare. If you’re grappling with the constant cycle of prescription steroids and doctor visits, I want to share something that has genuinely changed my life: You don’t always have to rely on harsh treatments. Instead, explore the calming powers of OTC creams available at beauty stores or even Amazon. These alternatives have been a game changer for me, reducing inflammation and soothing dry patches without the stress of medical appointments. And remember to patch test any new product—it’s crucial given our sensitive skin. This approach has allowed me more freedom and comfort, helping me enjoy simple pleasures like wearing cute jewelry and soaking up the sun without fear of flare-ups. —Andrea Marie, associate lifestyle editor

One thing I wish people knew about having ADHD is how absolutely exhausting it is. My mind is the busiest, loudest, most chaotic place on earth; there are multiple disparate conversations happening at all times and just trying to quiet them enough to focus on one at a time takes so much mental and physical energy that I’m completely depleted by the end of the day. Medication helps a ton, as do routines and having a ton of structure in my schedule, but it’s still a struggle. I love so much about my ADHD brain and what it can do (finding connections, recognizing patterns, the ability to multitask), but I think people would be shocked if they knew how hard I have to work to complete even seemingly simple tasks. —Caroline Duffy, president

I don’t talk about this often and it feels a bit scary for me to share, but for the majority of my adult life, I’ve struggled with severe anorexia. After 10 gruesome years of disordered eating, boatloads of shame, and a two year stint in ED treatment, I can proudly say I’m in recovery. What I want people to know is that anorexia isn’t usually about food. For me, it was a way to numb myself from the trauma I experienced in childhood. What I also want people to realize is that there isn’t one way to look when you are dealing with anorexia. Many (especially doctors) assume that if you don’t look emaciated, then you’re probably ok. There are so many people out there silently struggling. If you know someone who is dealing with disordered eating of any kind, talk to them about it and try to be there for them. I wish I would’ve had someone close to me who cared enough to ask me how I was handling it. —Jenna G., associate art director

Depression and anxiety disorder truly look different for everyone. I’ve lived with both for two decades, but I’m also an extrovert who enjoys being around people and meeting new friends, which can sometimes be confusing to family, friends, and even myself. When my depression sets in, it leaves me feeling extra guilty for not being able to be present and connect with the people I love most. The anxiety creates an everyday battle between longing to participate fully in life and needing to pull back from the world, and there’s often a shadow of uncertainty and distress over the tiniest decisions. Therapy has helped me discover both internal and external roots of anxious triggers, as well as develop new coping strategies to help manage panic episodes more effectively. While it can be expensive, especially with having an out-of-network provider, I’ve prioritized the expense the same way you make room for groceries or a gym membership. Even if I’m having a problem-free week, it’s always important to have someone to talk to openly. —Emma N., senior marketing manager

The most difficult thing about living with chronic Lyme disease is the fact that it’s an invisible illness. Because of this, I’ve often had to fight not only for professional medical care, but for support and understanding from loved ones. I’d love to remind people how crucial of a role empathy can play in someone’s healing journey… and that just because you can’t see it, doesn’t mean it isn’t real. For those who are struggling with chronic conditions themselves, finding a support system in others battling the same conditions (see: FB or IG groups) can be life-changing. —Jenna S., head of marketing