Before

Below is a compilation of my writing, painting the last two years of my life, when I was diagnosed with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, an incurable chronic illness that causes severe fatigue, confusion, forgetfulness, muscle pain, and weakness.
I lost an enormous piece of myself after receiving this diagnosis, and I went through separate stages of grief, each illustrated in my story below. Some of the passages are shorter, paralleling the fragmented time I spent in them. Others, much longer and carrying more weight. I discuss topics surrounding depression, suicide/suicidal thoughts, and anorexia, please read with caution.