Growing up, I had no idea why I felt so tired and listless. Little did I know I had an underactive thyroid, an invisible but powerful disease that I would spend years learning to cope with. It was a struggle to balance how much energy I had with the demands of life. From high school to college and beyond, I had to adjust to a new pace of life.
I eventually decided to take control of my situation and learn as much as I could about my condition. With determination, I read up on everything I could find, from the medical side to the emotional. I was surprised to find a strong support system of others on the same journey.
Now, I use a combination of diet, exercise, and medication to balance my condition. I’m not perfect at it, but I’m getting better. I have also become more educated on the importance of self-care and mental wellness in managing my underactive thyroid. I have hope that I can heal, and live a healthier and happier life.