this description is so spot on, especially how you talk about the second way it affects you. i know this comment is not of much help to you, but to find people who feel the same as i do and to actually see my feelings validated and to have myself treated as i'm just a normal person with an actual disease means the world to me.

so thank you for sharing your stories and feelings. i hope that you know you're not alone, and that that helps you in continuing to fight. stay strong.