“Suffering does not magically disappear when the tale is told, but the more stories I heard the less space my own suffering seemed to take up.”
-Arthur Frank
The Wounded Storyteller: Body, Illness, and Ethics, 2nd edition, 2013.
Words create community. Invisible illness can be an isolating experience, but storytelling encourages solidarity and connection between individuals.
You can create a Youtube video, podcast, or even a Facebook post to spread your story to others. You can even do this anonymously if sharing it in your own name feels too risky. Share your story in a support group or submit it to an organization like Story Corps.
Your story will grow and change as you hear the stories of others. As you tell your story, invite others to do the same. Your actions will increase visibility of invisible illnesses, and individuals will truly begin to see each other.
(N)Visibility Project: Building Narratives of Invisible Illness 