The Unseen Me
Making the Invisible Visible:
living with invisible disabilities in a world that only sees the surface
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Seeing the Unseen: Why We Must Pay Attention to Invisible Disabilities
Invisible disabilities are real, impactful, and far more common than most people realize. Unlike visible impairments, these conditions don’t announce themselves with wheelchairs, canes, or other physical markers. Yet they shape the daily lives of millions—quietly, persistently, and often without the understanding or support they deserve.
🌍 A Global Reality
According to the World Health Organization, 1.3 billion people—about 16% of the global population—live with a disability. Of these, approximately 80% are considered invisible, meaning their symptoms aren’t immediately apparent to others. That’s nearly 1 billion people worldwide navigating life with conditions that are often misunderstood, dismissed, or overlooked.
🩺 What Counts as an Invisible Disability?
Invisible disabilities span a wide spectrum of physical, neurological, and mental health conditions. Some examples include:
- Mental health disorders: Depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder
- Chronic illnesses: Lupus, fibromyalgia, Crohn’s disease, diabetes, Long Covid
- Neurological conditions: Epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis
- Autoimmune diseases: Rheumatoid arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome, sarcoidosis
- Cognitive and learning differences: ADHD, dyslexia, autism spectrum disorder
This list is far from exhaustive. There are hundreds of conditions that fall under the umbrella of invisible disabilities—each with its own challenges, symptoms, and stories.
🗣️ Why Sharing and Advocacy Matter
Because these disabilities are hidden, those who live with them often face skepticism, stigma, and isolation. They may be told they “don’t look sick” or are “just being dramatic.” This lack of visibility can lead to:
- Barriers to healthcare and accommodations
- Discrimination in the workplace
- Social exclusion and misunderstanding
- Mental health struggles due to invalidation
That’s why sharing experiences is so powerful. When people speak openly about their invisible disabilities, they help others feel less alone. They educate those who may not understand. And they push for policy changes, accessibility improvements, and cultural shifts that make the world more inclusive.
💬 A Personal Hope
My hope is that this blog post reaches someone who feels unseen—and helps them feel a little more understood. I hope it sparks conversations, encourages empathy, and reminds readers that disability isn’t always visible, but it’s always valid. If even one person feels empowered to share their story or advocate for change, then this post has done its job.
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