Category: UK Disability History Month

When I was diagnosed with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) in 2012, my life changed overnight. I went from being a 16-year-old just starting college, making new friends, enjoying my independence, and planning for the future, to being bedridden, unable to go anywhere without help, and feeling a complete sense of loss over my body and mind. Over the years, I have also lived with other conditions that affect me both physically and mentally. Together, these conditions shape my daily reality and often leave me balancing pain, fatigue, and brain fog against my work and personal life.

What is disability?  Ask me at any time of day, and I’ll probably give you any one of a range of answers.  Though most will be of the theme “it’s a bloody nuisance, but I’m not letting it stop me”.

For years, I thrived on minimal sleep. I didn’t rest well, but I kept my overactive mind busy—anything to avoid lying awake creating shapes from shadows or spiralling into anxiety. Socialising was my lifeline. If there wasn’t a plan, I made one. I had to stay busy so I texted friends most days trying to fill every evening.

I was really honoured to be asked to write a blog post during Disability History Month. I have a huge passion for both disability and history, particularly medieval history, and having started to research disability through the ages I realised how the perception of disability, and disabled people’s contribution to society, has changed over the centuries.