#Autoimmune Disease Self Help

[ashton-slashton]

Actively adding my Vampire Priest to Conclave ~for the drama~ but also because I know in my heart of hearts that after a while it would be 100% normal to see him and Ray arm-in-arm under Mathias' big black umbrella and you THINK they're talking about administrative business but ACTUALLY ☝🏻 they're gossiping. These Monsignors CANNOT keep their mouths shut.

[tomasorban]

Can inflammation cause depression?

There’s evidence to suggest that inflammation can contribute to the development of depression in many people, particularly among individuals with preexisting inflammatory conditions or chronic illnesses.

For instance, research suggests that the link between inflammation and depression is commonly seen in conditions like autoimmune diseases (e.g., multiple sclerosis) and infections (e.g., sepsis) where the immune system plays a significant role.

How does inflammation affect your mental health?

When your immune system is activated, it affects not only the body but also the central nervous system, which includes the brain. Chronic inflammation is linked to changes in the brain’s chemistry and structure, which can increase the risk of depression.

Inflammation can impact mental health in several ways:

Neurotransmitter imbalance: ResearchTrusted Source suggests that inflammation may disrupt brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) like serotonin and dopamine, leading to mood imbalances.

Hormonal disruption: Inflammation can affect stress and sex hormone levels (e.g., cortisol, estrogen), impacting mood and cognition.

Neuroinflammation: EvidenceTrusted Source suggests that inflammation within the brain itself can cause cognitive and mood problems.

Reduced neuroplasticity: Chronic inflammation may hinder the brain’s ability to adapt and learn.

Oxidative stress: Inflammation may increase oxidative stress, damaging brain cells.

In many adults, depression and inflammation appear to be separate issues. One studyTrusted Source found that clinical depression in older individuals isn’t typically linked to increased inflammation unless they have preexisting inflammatory conditions like arthritis.

How do you know if your depression is caused by inflammation?

Determining if your depression is caused by inflammation typically involves specialized medical tests and assessments. This may involve blood tests to measure inflammatory markers or discussions with your doctor about your medical history and symptoms.

However, here are some signs that suggest inflammation may be contributing to your depression:

You have other inflammatory conditions (e.g., autoimmune disorders, chronic infections, or inflammatory bowel disease).

Your depression had a sudden onset (especially in response to an infection or injury).

Your depression doesn’t respond to antidepressants.

You have physical symptoms (e.g., fatigue, joint pain, or fever)

You have high stress levels (chronic stress can trigger inflammation).

You have a family history of both depression and inflammatory conditions.

You have elevated markers of inflammation, like CRP or cytokines, in specialized blood tests.

Treatment options for inflammation-related depression

Treatment options for inflammation-related depression typically aim to target both the underlying inflammation and the depressive symptoms. Here are some common approaches:

Anti-inflammatory medications: Some evidenceTrusted Source suggests that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or anti-inflammatory agents like corticosteroids may be prescribed to reduce inflammation.

Healthy diet: A comprehensive reviewTrusted Source of 41 studies revealed that maintaining a consistently healthy diet, especially one in line with the traditional Mediterranean diet, or simply avoiding diets that promote inflammation, may protect against depression.

Psychotherapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based therapies may help manage depression symptoms.

Medications: Some evidenceTrusted Source suggests that certain antidepressants, like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), can reduce inflammation in the brain, which may contribute to their effectiveness.

Light therapy: A 2017 study found that combining bright light therapy with antidepressants for nonseasonal depression could be effective. Participants also showed significant changes in immune-related lymphocyte counts.

Omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3 supplements, found in fish oil, have anti-inflammatory properties and may help with depression symptoms.

Mind-body practices: Practices like yoga and meditation can help manage stress and potentially reduce inflammation.

Probiotics: Some research suggests that probiotics may have a positive impact on gut health and inflammation, which could indirectly affect mood.

Anti-inflammatory foods:

Here are some of the most anti-inflammatory foods on the planet, backed by research:

Fatty Fish: Fatty fish like salmon, tuna, mackerel, and sardines are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have potent anti-inflammatory effects.

Turmeric: Curcumin, a compound found in turmeric, has been shown to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the body.

Ginger: Ginger has anti-inflammatory compounds like gingerol and shogaol, which have been shown to reduce inflammation and pain.

Berries: Berries such as blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, and pomegranates are rich in antioxidants and polyphenols, which have anti-inflammatory effects.

Green Tea: Green tea contains epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which has been shown to reduce inflammation and improve symptoms of arthritis.

Dark Chocolate: Dark chocolate contains flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Olive Oil: Olive oil is rich in oleocanthal, a compound that has been shown to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.

Cruciferous Vegetables: Vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and kale contain sulforaphane, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Fatty Nuts and Seeds: Nuts and seeds like walnuts, chia seeds, and flaxseeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants.

Leafy Greens: Leafy greens like spinach, kale, and collard greens are rich in antioxidants and polyphenols, which have anti-inflammatory effects.

Garlic: Garlic contains compounds like allicin, which have been shown to reduce inflammation and improve cardiovascular health.

Apples: Apples contain quercetin, a flavonoid that has anti-inflammatory properties.

Pineapple: Pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain, which has anti-inflammatory properties.

Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes are rich in beta-carotene, an antioxidant that has anti-inflammatory effects.

Mushrooms: Certain mushrooms like reishi, chaga, and cordyceps have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties.

+ anti-inflammatory oils >here<

+ If you are into extracts or diet supplements, you can find products similar to >this<.

[scientia-rex]

Hey. HEY. We aren’t good at understanding how bodies work. I spent five years in undergrad (I was indecisive; graduated with six years’ worth of credits), two in my terminal master’s program, four in med school, and three more in residency. I know a whole lot about how bodies work. I am qualified to tell you that we don’t know a lot more than we do know.

This means that, when you encounter a claim, you need to weigh it against what you have experienced.

I have met doctors who were sure fibromyalgia, or “muscle hurty disease,” from the roots of the word, was just women being crazy. Turns out it’s probably at least partly due to autoimmune dysfunction. Or maybe not! Sure would be nice if we knew! But I sure as shit know it’s real, because I have it and so do the women in my family. Our bodies don’t work right, somehow. They don’t work like other people’s bodies work. I experience more pain than I “should” based on what stimuli other people find painful. I have less ability to build and maintain muscle strength. This has not kept me from doing what I love most in the world, which is have opinions, to the point where I went through the horrifically awful process that is medical training in the US just so I could have opinions all day long and get paid for it. I gain nothing from saying I have it, and in fact risk the opinions of my professional peers if I do admit to it, since it is still seen as a disease of mental or moral weakness. I’m perfectly qualified to self-diagnose, as a board-certified family physician.

And yet I believed people in positions of authority for a long, long time who said it was a mental illness and not a bodily one. As if those even can be distinct, when our brains are part of our bodies and our experience of reality is filtered through their circuitry. But I believed that I was somehow to blame for being in pain.

Life has been better since I accepted that I just need to do some things differently. If I lift weights, I need to use machines, I need to start on the lowest possible setting, and I need to increase very gradually. If I do cardio, I need a low-impact model like an elliptical trainer; running outside, every time I have tried it in my life, results in incapacitating shin splints, even if I try to work up slowly. I no longer buy laundry bins that don’t roll. My home is all on one level. I go to physical therapy. I stash freezer dinners that contain (shudder) vegetables, my least favorite thing, so that when I do feel like shit, I have an alternative to starving (or eating a block of cheese that upsets my stomach).

Accommodate yourself. This society isn’t going to help much, if at all. In your good times and days, be the person whose help you’ll need in your worst days.

[byjove]

please help my scruggly cat

Tommy, Tumblr micro-celebrity famous for featuring/being the muse for hit posts such as ‘father is…evil?’ and ‘my cat can tell when I’m sad and instinctively bites my toes’ and ‘frustrating each other is our love language’ needs a little financial support. Please consider donating to my ko-fi or buying something from my teespring store.

Tommy was diagnosed with diabetes earlier this year under dramatic circumstances that involved a week long intensive care vet stay. She has stomatitis (an inflammation of the gums and mucus membranes) that she was on steroids for and the steroids may have damaged her pancreas. Since her diagnosis we’ve had a hard time controlling her blood sugar. Her insulin dose goes up and up. The vet thinks she has a good chance of stabilizing, that diabetic cats can and do live long, healthy and happy lives. She’s only 5. Her 6th birthday is later this month. She’s fighting. She wants to live.

Each insulin vial costs $160. Her prescription cat food is $35 for a 4 pound bag. She’s also on gabapentin for her pain and neuropathy and she’ll probably need another course of antibiotics. She currently goes to the vet every two weeks and the cost of that varies immensely. Basically, she’s a much more expensive cat than she was before and the cost of living for me has risen as well. It’s not an immediate emergency but we need funds. I’m disabled, I have an autoimmune disease that attacks my colon, I have a hard time working outside of the home or even at all because my health fluctuates and my energy levels are low. I’m trying so desperately to get better but for now I’m living in my mom’s house and sponging off my loved ones and tapping into my meager savings.

I know what you’re thinking, the thing people always comment on donation posts about pets, “if you can’t afford to care for your cat, why do you still have your cat?” and as biting as that question is, I know it’s a valid one and I’ve thought about it myself. I still have her because I need her and she needs me. She’s like my soulmate animal. We met when I was 16 and she was about 4 weeks old. There was no way I could have known we’d both be struggling sick moneypits in 5 years. I’m trying to give her the best life I can and she’s trying to give me her best self. I’m her person. I’m home 24/7 so we’re so used to having each other. She brings me immense joy and I know she’s brought a lot of other people joy. If you’re one of those people, please consider giving a couple of dollars. If you can’t afford to, that’s fine. Thank you for reading anyway.

TL;DR: cat sick. I’m sick. please help.

[venusianpulp]

Astro Remediation: Skin Conditions

Ever wonder if you can identify which aspects and placements in your natal chart can indicate skin conditions? Well, in Vedic Astrology, I can do this for you as well as customize a remediation plan for your personal road to recovery.

This is based on Ancient Astrology and Auyrvedic Healing. I struggled with acne as well as back acne for most of my good years. Nothing ever worked but then I tried the Eastern Medicine approach and implemented my knowledge of Astrology to help create a regimine for myself. It's truly magical what Astrology can reveal to us and even remedy for us. Everything can be alchemized as long as you have the tools and knowledge in front of you.

So, message me if you're interested in a consult and Remediation plan, personalized for you!

In Vedic astrology, skin conditions can be assessed by analyzing various placements, signs, and aspects in a natal chart. The primary houses and planets to consider are the 1st house (self, physical body), 6th house (health, diseases), and the ascendant (physical appearance, constitution). The Moon, Mars, and Saturn are also important planets to consider when evaluating skin health.

Here are some possible aspects and placements that may indicate skin conditions, along with potential remediation measures:

Facial acne, cystic acne, back acne, and body acne:

Mars or Saturn in the 1st house or 6th house, especially in water signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces)

Moon afflicted by Mars or Saturn, particularly in the 1st, 6th, or 8th house

Ascendant or 6th house lord afflicted by Mars or Saturn

Rahu or Ketu in the 1st or 6th house

Remediation:

Wear a red coral or bloodstone gemstone to pacify Mars

Chant the Gayatri mantra or the Maha Mrityunjaya mantra for spiritual healing

Practice stress-reducing techniques like meditation, yoga, or pranayama

Maintain a clean, healthy diet and avoid oily, spicy, or processed foods

Psoriasis and other autoimmune skin disorders:

Moon afflicted by Saturn, Rahu, or Ketu, particularly in the 1st, 6th, or 8th house

Saturn in the 1st house or 6th house, especially in fire signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius)

6th house lord in the 8th house or 8th house lord in the 6th house

Weak or afflicted Sun in the chart

Remediation:

Wear a moonstone or pearl to strengthen the Moon

Chant the Mahamrityunjaya mantra or the Surya mantra for healing

Practice stress-reducing techniques and maintain a regular sleep schedule

Follow a sattvic diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains

Eczema and other inflammatory skin conditions:

Pitta (fire) dominant constitution, with a strong presence of Mars, Sun, or Ketu in the chart

Mars or Ketu in the 1st house or 6th house, especially in fire signs

Ascendant or 6th house lord afflicted by Mars or Ketu

Moon afflicted by Mars or Sun, particularly in the 1st, 6th, or 8th house

Remediation:

Wear a moonstone or pearl to balance the Moon and reduce Pitta

Chant the Shiva mantra or the Durga mantra for spiritual healing

Practice cooling pranayama techniques like Sheetali or Sheetkari

Follow a Pitta-pacifying diet, avoiding spicy, sour, and fermented foods

Fungal skin infections:

Kapha (water and earth) dominant constitution, with a strong presence of Moon, Venus, or Jupiter in the chart

Moon or Venus in the 1st house or 6th house, especially in water or earth signs

Ascendant or 6th house lord afflicted by Moon or Venus

Weak or afflicted Mars in the chart

Remediation:

Wear a red coral or bloodstone to strengthen Mars and reduce Kapha

Chant the Hanuman Chalisa or the Durga mantra for spiritual healing

Practice invigorating pranayama techniques like Bhastrika or Kapalbhati

Follow a Kapha-pacifying diet, avoiding cold, heavy, and oily foods

It's important to note that these are general guidelines. I will not be revealing every remediation or chart indication in this post as there are a lot more nuances that go into harsher conditions, such as ones developed due to issues such as auto immune diseases. Additionally, while astrological remedies can be helpful, it is always advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment of any skin condition.

[chefkids]

Spoon Theory

This is arguably the single most important The Bear meta post I will ever make so please bear with me.

The first spoon we see in the entire series is when Carmy takes Sydney's spoon to try her stew. This is right after he cut his hand from not being able to find his sharp knife, and before he has to meet with Natalie to get Mikey's jacket, which was stressing him out. She "gave him a spoon" and a bit of positivity when he needed to calm down and get some energy by knowing at the very least Sydney can cook well.

Needing a spoon is needing help. When he hands over the brigade to Sydney he is waving around spoons the entire episode, when she really needed his help and his "spoons". Later on Sydney is not afraid to just ask him for his help.

With the risotto she gave him a "spoon" that would help the restaurant, that brought in a good review and customers, but he didn't have enough of his own "spoons" to deal with it as he was stressing out over the window that just got shot through and the IRS needing the missing tax returns. Right before trying the risotto Carmy had told Richie he is afraid of something good happening. He is afraid of Sydney and him doing well, because the better it gets the more it will hurt him when something goes wrong. That is why he keeps self sabotaging the restaurant and doubting Sydney.

After Sydney quit, she is still using her spoons for mental energy to make sure Marcus is okay and to try and figure out her next steps career wise. Carmy grabbed a spoon to open the tomato can lid, which he really didn't need because he could've just used the can opener, and then found the money. When he finds the money they both know they would be fine on their own, she could find another job, he could fix up The Beef. But they still need each others emotional spoons to achieve their passions, so he reaches out and she comes back.

In Season 2 she did need his "spoons" to help create the menu and decide on the details for the restaurant, but he barely gave her any because he was still so caught up in his past trauma and the literal and metaphorical forks in his life.

Fixing the table really didn't physically need more than one "spoon"/person. But he needed her there to work through his mental block. With the inspiration food tour, she did it on her own and she didn't physically need him for it, she needed his emotional spoons.

When they are not communicating well with each other and Carmy is trying to reach back and be involved again, he gets as close as he can to her spoon without actually using it.

And now the dark side of spoons.

The originator of spoon theory has lupus and first came up with this theory at a restaurant to explain what it was like living with the condition to a friend. They could've easily said Sydney's mom died of cancer or an accident or anything else. But this is all so intentional, out of all the things it is Lupus. I don't want Sydney to be sick as much as the next person, but Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that has higher likelihood of developing when you have a family member with it, and can be triggered by environmental factors such as stress. It is an invisible illness and Christine's own handle is butyoudontlooksick, which could really explain Sydney and what she has going on behind her walls that people can't see. She has been a rock to so many people and over exerting herself, but there might come a time soon when Sydney will genuinely need other peoples "spoons", especially Carmy's, because she's all out.

Now that Carmy said he is choosing to give Syd his focus aka his "spoons", will he actually be able to follow through?

Read The Fork Theory next

Read The Knife Theory

[robo-writing]

hiii it’s anon who requested the chronic pain reader x Logan, I love that btw!

Recently, like for the past two weeks, random red spots have been appearing on my skin, and I probably got whooping cough again lmao- The doctors don’t know what the illness is, but they think it’s an autoimmune disease of some kind.

My skin as a result looks… At the very best lumpy. And I really hate how it’s making me look 🥲

so can I request another comfort request, with an afab!reader x Simon Riley with reader who’s going through at least something similar? If not that’s fine, I’m sorry for bombarding you 😭

You have trouble with your self-confidence at the best of times, but looking at yourself in the mirror right now makes you want to cry, truly. The large welts make your skin feel lumpy, irritated, and even under the layers of clothes all you can focus on is the fact they’re still on your body, taunting you.

You know it’s temporary, but every time you think about the deformities you feel the urge to curl into yourself and hide away. You’ve even stopped taking his calls, much to Simon’s annoyance, and after a week he’s had enough, knocking at your door urgently.

“Open up darling, lemme see you!”

“I’m sick!” Your muffled voice calls from your bedroom.

“I know where the spare key is love,” he replies, the tell-tale jingle making your ears perk up. “I’m coming inside.”

“No,” you weakly groan from beneath your covers. “I don’t want you to see me Si.”

Your pleas fall on deaf ears, hearing the lock click into place as his heavy footsteps enter. You can see his shadow coming closer, and the best you can do is bundle yourself in your sheets.

“Love, what’s wrong?”

“I don’t wanna talk about it, can you please leave?”

He shakes his head, moving towards you. “No can do. Just wanna make sure you’re alright.”

Slowly, he pulls off the cover and if you were in better health maybe you could’ve resisted better. You turn your head away from him, not wanting to see the disgust on his face at your blemished skin.

“Oh wow…” he says, and the surprise in his voice makes you shrink away even further.

“I told you it was bad,” you sniffle, tugging the sheets back over you. He hesitates for a bit, trying to find the right words.

“Is it chickenpox?”

You know he’s serious, but you can’t help but give a half-hearted chuckle at his words. “No, the doctors don’t know what it is yet.”

“And is it contagious?”

“No—“

“Then move over.”

You look over your shoulder, confusion written in your face. “I’m sorry?”

He doesn’t repeat himself. He takes his shoes off, throws them into a neat pile by the bed, then worms his way under the blanket, wrapping his arms around your torso much to your surprise.

“You’ve been hiding from me all week, I’m making up for lost time,” he mumbles, pulling you even closer to his chest. “Rest up; I’ll buy you some ointment when you wake up.”

Mouth agape, it takes you a moment to catch up, and when you do you realize two things:

1. You’re not getting out of this bed anytime soon.

2. Simon is the best boyfriend you’ve ever had.

[scribblewrites]

Bakugou with a Chronically Ill Partner Headcanons

Katsuki Bakugou x Gn!reader

This is fully self indulgent, chronic illness/autoimmune diseases are kicking my ass 😔

I tried to keep it vague so multiple conditions can be applied, but I only have experience with my type of chronic illness. Pls lemme know if it can be improved to include more

hope y’all enjoy! ♥

— He goes with you to doctor’s appointments and lab testing. Especially if you struggle with a fear of doctors. He will make sure the doctors listen to you and don’t dismiss your symptoms.

— If you deal with appetite issues, nausea, etc., he keeps a list of bland safe foods. During flare ups he loves to cook for you and will make sure you don’t go to long between meals. Food is his love language and he will make sure you’re eating right.

— He bought you a heatable stuffed animal for your chronic pain. He will heat up your stuffed animal for you, though he will often use his quirk as a heating pad as well. 

— When you told him about your chronic illness/autoimmune disease he immediately went and researched it. Of course he’d never admit it but this man did his homework. He spent hours on medical websites, forums, and blogs finding the best ways to support you. 

— Back to the food thing, he keeps track of all of your trigger foods. Since finding out any of your allergies he likes to come up with new recipes around them. He sees it as a challenge if you say foods without your trigger taste gross.

— If your still struggling to get diagnosed and feel like maybe your just crazy me currently, he’s there constantly reassuring you. If any one makes you feel like you’re complaining too much or that your issues are all in your head he is on their ass. He does not put up with people making you feel like shit.

— He keeps track of your prescriptions and when you need refills. You forgot to pick up your medication and now you’re out? He already picked it up on his way home from patrol. He’s even got reminders set on his phone for when you need to take your meds. When they go off he’s by your side with water and food if they can’t be taken on an empty stomach. 

— If you take injections he will help administer it. He will calm you down and distract you if you’re afraid of needles, or administer it for you if you’re unable. 

Shout out to my other chronically ill babes! hope y'all enjoyed these silly hc’s

[crimeronan]

Camila’s “Oh god I need to get Luz to see a doctor” vs her “Oh god how do I fend off news reporters and the police if someone asks questions about how my not-actually-dead daughter who has been missing for 13 years is alive” Fight

The circumstances for this to happen might be a little bit of a stretch but Do you think there’s a world out there where Hunter gets REALLY accusatory about Camila wanting Luz to see a doctor to the point that Camila would have to say like “Hey, I’m sorry for being pushy. This is a bit of a sore subject for me. My husband passed away from an illness he had been fighting for a while. We didn’t catch it fast enough to get the treatment he needed,” and Hunter immediately panics about “Does Luz have it? Whatever made your husband sick, Does Luz Have It???”

OUGH.

i've always imagined that manny died of cancer, simply because i Think that's the most common type of long-term illness that kills people in their 30s/40s..... camila explaining that no, she doesn't think luz is sick Right Now, but cancer can run in families so it's important to see a doctor regularly....

and if i'm gonna be extremely self-indulgent, i could also see manny having passed from some kind of autoimmune disease, since that's the other big category of Thing That Kills You that frequently targets younger people. and that tends to have an even more immediate and pressing genetic component than cancer. i won't say it's fully AU canon, bc i think if it WAS, then camila would be even more worried about luz's neurological health than she already is, but...... food 4 me.

as for the logistics of camila getting luz to a doctor.... YEAH. i was thinking about how one of the Biggest complications is that camila can't, like, feasibly say this is luz. at least without sparking a million questions. if she had any outside help with getting vee a legal identity then i imagine she'd turn to them for resources.... because good god. The Complication.

[liyazaki]

"specially abled" and "disabled" are absolutely, unequivocally not interchangeable terms. & yeah, it actually is that deep.

I wish my autoimmune disease made me specially abled instead of regularly ill. I'm a pro now at managing constantly-changing treatment regimens, coordinating monthly (if not more) doctor visits & endless bloodwork, but alas- that's not a superpower. it's the day-to-day reality of living with a disability.

I can only speak as a someone who was relatively healthy before I got sick, but the mourning period I went through was brutal. getting diagnosed with an incurable disease brings a metric fuckton of grief with it, requiring a huge perspective shift.

I'm an intensely independent, self-reliant person- sometimes to my own detriment. unsurprisingly, coming to terms with this new reality was no small task.

when I was finally diagnosed, I made a playlist (my go-to coping mechanism). I played one song on a loop because of its namesake line, & it still packs an emotional gut-punch for me: "I needed to lose you to love me."

I was angry at my body for 'failing' me- for having zero control over such an all-important outcome (my health). I had to reconcile myself to the reality that my life was different now. I had to lose my old view of myself to love the new version that needed more sleep, more sick days, more accommodations.

it took me years to get comfortable using the term "disability" to help describe what's now a big part of my lived experience (especially since mine is invisible). it went from being a foreign term I could've never imagined using for myself to my bridge to self acceptance.

(note: I have my own complex relationship with the term, as do most people. I’m talking about the harm in equating terms here, not implying that anyone should use these words to describe themselves. that’s entirely up to the individual.)

there's nothing romantic about my disease- a quality that "specially abled" imbues for me. do I- & all disabled people- have special abilities, valuable experience & unique skills? you bet your ass we do. one has absolutely nothing to do with the other.

every person has the right to choose the terms they're comfortable with to describe their experience. for me? treating "disability" like a dirty word 1) glosses over (if not entirely erases) the very real, life-altering struggle inherent to my condition, & 2) muddies the waters, potentially making it even more difficult for disabled people to get the accommodations we need when we need them.

using terms like "specially abled" isn't some evil, awful thing, though. if anything, it tells me that the person is trying to be delicate & respectful with their word choices. I genuinely appreciate that, even if it's misguided (in my opinion).

when in doubt? listen to how people describe themselves. honor them by using the same descriptors (unless they tell you otherwise). choose to believe people when they tell you how terms affect them.

forgive yourself if you don't always get it right- who does? perfection isn't the point- effort is the point. kindness is the point. respect is the point. how we get there is as varied as people, but it starts with the words we use.

[screampied]

ok giving more bc you want more suffering 🥰 i have retdems and laboratory tomorrow but the husband brainrot does not stop!! I will give to mami vegas what she asks >:3

Pathologist Sukuna who's researching his wife's own autoimmune disease, and he's so frustrated that he can't help find a cure and with each day he hates seeing you try to put up a tough front. It BREAKS him whenever you smile and hold his hand, and he often ends up lashing out at his research team or at his own subordinates.

He hates it. He's the smartest guy in existence right now (self claimed and sensationalized but whatever)! He's gained multiple recognitions in his research and contributions to the field! So why does this stump him? Of all the damn people too, why does it have to happen to the love of his life? Why is it so life threatening that with each week, he sees that stupid smile of yours grow weaker while you're in the private ward? He has to stick needles into you, and of course it hurts. Your veins are collapsed and your body can barely keep itself up as the months go by.

He needs you. He'll never say it out loud to his co-workers. Or to you sometimes. But you know because he holds your hand so tightly at night, even when he doesn't say a single word. Those eyes are begging to whatever god that exists that he finds something soon.

- 💉

HELL YEAH MORE FOOD 🔥🔥🔥 good luck on ur retdems syringey !!!! ur gonna crush it. <3

sukuna omg stop 😭😭😭. him being frustrated that he can’t find a cure is totally :’((((. i can see it though. when sukuna has a s/o that’s as stubborn as him sobs. THISIS SO SAD. sukuna who denies his own feelings awhhhhh.

i for one, love angst though 🌚 what do you think his reaction would be when he comes back from his break and reader’s already …. gone. ID CRY

[cripple-culture-is]

Sorry, but if you do not use a mobility aid, then you aren't physically disabled 🤷‍♀️ Only those with mobility aids can call themselves a cripple. I saw your main blog and that you are "physically disabled without mobility aids". That's not even possible. You can't be physically disabled and not require mobility aids.

And the fact that you believe you have the right to use the word cripple rubs me the wrong way. You have to look disabled in order to use that slur. Otherwise it's incredibly disrespectful.

If you can walk, you are not crippled. Crippled means to "cause (someone) to become unable to walk or move normally." If you can walk, you can move normally.

My first full on hate comment lol 🤣 I'm really moving up in the world.

But on a serious note, yes, you can be physically disabled and not require mobility aids. Physical disability isn't always stagnant. It isn't always as simple as someone who is paralyzed being a full time wheelchair user.

Since you used definitions, I'll use definitions. Physical disability is defined as "a limitation on a person's physical functioning, mobility, dexterity or stamina." Also, "any physical limitations or disabilities that inhibit the physical function of one or more limbs of a certain person."

I am physically disabled. I pretty much always have been. I have a mobility disability. I was diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis at 9 months old, an autoimmune disease. I did show symptoms at 4 months old at the latest though. Arthritis is actually the leading cause of disability and the most common disabling condition for U.S. adults.

I do not currently use mobility aids, no, but I am looking into getting a rollator for college. So I suppose that when I do get that aid, I will finally, in your eyes at least, be considered physically disabled.

However, I have reached a point in my life where I don't really care what people say about my disability. Whether you believe I'm physically disabled or not doesn't change the fact that I am physically disabled under U.S. law 🤣🤣

I got my permanent disability plates and placard when I was about 5 years old, though I probably could've gotten it before then.

I have always said that I have never used mobility aids. And while that's technically true, it's also not. I've never used traditional mobility aids regularly. I used a wheelchair in public once as a child, and I hated the pity looks adults would give me as I used to be more self-conscious.

However, I HAVE used untraditional mobility aids. While most people wouldn't consider them as such, I have used aids that have helped my mobility, mostly as a child, they just aren't stereotypical disability aids.

I was offered a wheelchair as a child, but due to the pity looks I got from adults, I turned it down. My parents worked around that hangup of mine by using things that I was confident enough to use for mobility as well as more acceptable to me.

My parents had bought this long stroller. When I got older, the typical strollers caused problems, in that I couldn't rest my legs on anything. So I had this stroller that had a leg rest that I could use to stretch my legs as keeping them bent for long periods of time physically hurts me.

I also sat in the baskets of shopping carts until I was in my mid-teens. My mother or father would put the cart with me in it and I'd sit in it as if I was merchandise just like everything else in the basket. This was all because I couldn't walk.

Though, what would happen when a stroller or shopping cart wasn't available? I would get a piggyback ride, mostly from my sister, though from my father as well. My mom did it only occasionally as she has joint issues just like I do.

Then, when I was a bit older, my parents bought me a red wagon. We would take it to amusement parks and carry some things in it. We'd use it for food and other stuff. But it's real purpose was to be there in case I got to a point where I couldn't walk anymore.

I have arthritis in every single joint in my body. From my jaw and neck, all the way to my toes. Hips, ribs, spine, you name it, I got it.

As for the use of the word 'cripple' it DOES apply to me. Cripple refers to anyone with a physical disability. And due to my disability, I do have lower body involvement. Hips, knees, ankles, toes, etc. All of it.

As for being able to "move normally", I actually don't completely. I appear like I do, but if you look at the structure of my legs and the way I walk, I do move differently than a lot of people. I find that I tend to limp often, even when I'm not in pain. And I am curious as to if that's because I got so used to limping as a child due to pain that my walking pattern just adopted that, leading me to limp when I'm not in pain. I also sometimes walk as if I'm waddling.

Plus, if you notice, my right knee is actually slightly turned in, which means that somehow, it's out of alignment. Knees are supposed to point forward. My dad's point forward, my sister's point forward, my mom's mostly point forward. Both of mine do not, even though both of my ankles are straight. My left one is pretty straight, straight enough for me to not really notice it. But my right is a separate story.

Because my right knee is pointed slightly inward, I tend to walk with my right foot slightly turned out.

I'm not sure if the alignment is a knee issue, a hip issue, or potentially an ankle issue. This wasn't an issue that was ever pointed out by my doctors as a child, cause my knees have been like this for a while. I did have a lot of knee inflammation as a kid.

But back fully on topic, cripple punk isn't contingent on the use of mobility aids. Plus the assumption that I have to "look disabled" in order to be physically disabled is very ableist and leads to those like me getting harassed when we use our handicapped parking permits. I'm invisibly physically disabled, I have always recognized that. But me having an invisible disability doesn't change the fact that I am physically disabled. And come this time next year, I will probably "look disabled". Not that I believe disability has a look. It doesn't. Believing disability has a look is ableist and perpetuates harmful stereotypes. I AM physically disabled. I AM crippled, mobility aid or no mobility aid.

You don't know my history, you don't know me. You don't know my day to day life.

In order for you to believe me, you'd likely have to see my diagnosis papers and the proof of my disability. But you are not entitled to that information. I don't have to show it to you, and I'm not going to.

[johnlennonirl]

hey!!! Sorry to bother you, but I just saw your post about fibromyalgia and I wanted to ask - how did you get diagnosed? As someone who is suffering from chronic pain and nearly all symptoms match with fibro, I have had an unsuccessful journey to getting diagnosed. Anything your doctors/yourself found that pointed it out?

thank you so much!!!

(btw - your art is AMAZING!)

Hiii AND THANK YEEWW ^_^

I've answered this a few times already but I think it always depends on the doctors you're seeing and what not.. sadly, doctors being knowledged or who know about fibromyalgia is also hard to find; My doctor was a rheumatologist and also knows that Fibro is a psychosomatic disorder. Meaning, if you're under chronic stress or emotional distress, symptoms r far more likely to flair up. Or cause a flair up-

I've been to lots of doctors, lots of neurologist and went to MRI's and got tests done but none of them found anything since my inflammation marks were always never there so they didn't indicate anything autoimmune or arthritis. The doctor I then visited actually had Fibromyalgia as a specialized thing he treats and diagnosis- but I myself sort of like.. "self diagnosed" while finding help as the symptoms seemed to match with my issues. And I went to that doctor who knew about it, explained my symptoms (without mentioning I suspected fibro) and he did tests w me and then diagnosed me at my first appointment since I already had done so many prior tests for other diseases.

I just would recommend trying to find a doctor who already takes fibro "seriously" and who has a field in that disorder, maybe ask diagnosed fibro members in your country/state who have gotten diagnosed at specific doctors and who possibly even treat it since you can in fact take meds for your fibro. Maybe ask doctors or clinics if they know a doctor. My doctor was luckily within reach, but sometimes you might have to travel a bit to get somewhere. Doing that rn with my chronic fatigue/possible narcolepsy...

Good luck! :3

[whumpinggrounds]

Writing Visible vs Invisible Disabilities

Poll winner! Here goes. I would like to emphasize that my information and knowledge pertains specifically to the USA - I’m going to discuss some legal stuff with accommodations/disability equity that are super specific to America so if you are reading from/writing outside of the USA, you should probably conduct some of your own research on that.

Vocab

Invisible disability, hidden disability, or non-apparent disability are all terms used to describe a disability that is not readily measurable or apparent to sighted individuals. Invisible disability is the most commonly used, but non-apparent is felt to be the most neutral, as “hidden” implies a conscious secrecy and some so-called “invisible” disabilities do become visible or apparent in the right circumstances. Examples may include things like neurological conditions, chronic illnesses, mental illness, or autoimmune diseases.

Personal note: In this post I primarily use invisible disability because to me, it is the most common, and most recognizable. I also use non-apparent, because I think it’s specific and useful. I don’t use hidden because it does seem to carry value judgment, more so than invisible.

Visible disability is a term that describes a disability that is measurable or readily apparent to a sighted individual. Examples might include someone with a partial limb, muscular dystrophy requiring the use of a wheelchair, or a form of dwarfism resulting in a different body shape and size.

Multiple disabilities or multiply disabled refers to a person that has more than one disability.

Cross-disabled or cross-disability is a term that refers to organizations or concerns that apply broadly to people across the spectrum of ability and disability. This is as opposed to organizations or concerns that are specifically tailored or related to a particular disability.

The ADA, or Americans with Disabilities Act, is a piece of cross-disability legislation.

The SMA Foundation (Spinal Muscular Atrophy) is a single disability organization.

Passing is a term sometimes used to describe someone that is not in an identity group but can look or behave as though they do. An example might be a Deaf person using hearing aids to “pass” or be seen as hearing. 

Nondisabled is a good neutral term for people that do not have disabilities. Abled or able-bodied is frequently used, but some see it as creating a hierarchy between abled and disabled people. Try to avoid words like “normal” or “healthy.”

Limb difference is a term describing the partial or complete absence, or malformation, of an arm or leg. This can be congenital (from birth) or acquired.

Facial difference is a term that describes anything above the neck that is visibly different from the majority of other people. I have a post about it that goes into much greater detail.

Self-disclosure means sharing something about oneself. In the context of disability, self-disclosure refers to the decision to share one’s disability status or diagnosis. Generally speaking, self-disclosure is a formal term and in my experience is used when referring to disclosing disability status or diagnosis as part of attending school, starting a new job, or otherwise requesting accommodations. 

Access needs are something that a person needs to communicate, learn, or take part in an activity.

Support needs are sometimes used interchangeably with access needs, but can also refer to a person’s basic needs in order to live (eating, sleeping, bathrooming, etc.)

Accommodations is a term often used to describe legally mandated services provided to a person who has been diagnosed with a disability. These are most commonly in place at a person’s school or work and help a disabled person effectively complete tasks.

Access needs, support needs, and accommodations are similar in nature and are sometimes used interchangeably, but are not always the same thing. I know this is wildly confusing.

Generally speaking, the word “accommodations” (in regards to access) is used primarily in schools, and sometimes in professional working environments. Access needs are used more often in public or professional environments, and support needs in personal environments.

Some examples: Ramps are an access need. They can also be an accommodation, but an accommodation would more likely be phrased as “wheelchair-accessible classrooms or workspaces,” which could either be accessed through ramps or being on the bottom floor.

Assistance with handling finances is a support need. Extra time on tests is an accommodation.

Visible Disability Considerations

Before we get started: I am not saying these things only apply to those with visible disabilities. They may be more common for people with visible disabilities, but people with invisible disabilities could, and many have, experienced the same or similar things. I am not gatekeeping anything; I am just trying to organize this post.

Harassment in public. Someone who is visibly disabled may be openly stared at or subject to ableist abuse because people can tell that they have a disability. Most of what I have to say here relates to this, but there are some specifics I’m going to get into as well.

Being pitied. “Well-meaning” non-disabled people may try to do something “nice” for someone who they see as “less fortunate.” Assistance with things someone doesn’t need assistance with, comments about being brave or inspiring, or offers to pray for someone all fall under this category - all that and more, in fact.

Assumption of incompetence. Sometimes this means that people assume someone with a visible disability is automatically cognitively disabled. Sometimes it means that people believe a visibly disabled person is not capable of performing simple tasks. This can mean anything from being “helped” in a supermarket to being discriminated against when applying for work.

Ableism and discrimination. Everything listed is ableism and discrimination, but it’s worth saying outright. People with visible disabilities are often subject to ableist abuse, hiring discrimination, housing discrimination, and many other kinds of prejudice because they cannot mask or hide their disability, or pass as non-disabled.

People with invisible disabilities also suffer from ableism and discrimination. This is sometimes more common for people with visible disabilities, but can happen to anyone - even, actually, to non-disabled people who are thought to have a disability.

Inappropriate questions. Just because someone is visibly disabled does not mean that anyone is entitled to further information. Asking a stranger “what happened to them” or “what’s wrong with them” is always inappropriate, and is often inappropriate with coworkers or acquaintances as well. Your characters should know someone decently well and be able to gauge your disabled character’s comfort level before asking this kind of question.

Mobility aid policing. Mobility aids are visible, so users often fall under the visible disability umbrella. Sometimes, even though someone is using a mobility aid, random people in public decide they do not need it, or try to argue with them about faking it. Not being visibly disabled “enough,” or not being believed about being disabled, is still a problem for the visibly disabled.

Service dogs can be mobility aids, or other kinds of disability aids. People interacting with them, or trying to interact with them in public, also falls under this category.

Invisible Disability Considerations

Once again: I am not saying these things only apply to those with invisible disabilities. They may be more common for people with invisible disabilities, but people with visible disabilities could, and many have, experienced the same or similar things. I am not gatekeeping anything; I am just trying to organize this post.

Assumption of ability. Someone with an invisible disability may be assumed to be capable of everything a non-disabled person can do. They may have to repeatedly explain why they cannot do certain things or even why they do do things - like take pills, avoid certain foods, or rest more frequently than non-disabled peers. This ties into our next section -

Not being believed about severity or symptoms. People without visible or measurable disabilities can be disbelieved by strangers about their disability status, but also, very painfully, by friends, family, or medical professionals. Since a non-apparent disability may rely on self-report, other systemic biases may come into play here as well, like not believing someone because they’re a woman, or POC. People may also get comments like “you’re too young to be disabled,” “it’s all in your head,” or “you don’t look disabled.”

Again, this can and does also happen to visibly disabled people as well.  

Being accused of lying or faking it. This is obviously the same as not being believed, but is a slightly different manifestation. This is when non-disabled people believe someone is faking having a disability in order to get attention or access to disability resources. Ignoring the fact that that is a completely unrewarding thing to do, this is a combination of disbelief, and suspecting the disabled person in question of intentional malice and selfishness. Again, this can be frustrating and incredibly painful.

Once again. Can and does happen to visibly disabled people.

When to self-disclose. Someone with an invisible disability gets more of a choice in if and when to talk about their disability. This means they have more control over who gets to know, when, how, what, and why, but also comes with problems of its own.

Telling new friends may come with concerns about being viewed or treated differently.

Telling a school or place of work may introduce the risk of scrutiny or discrimination.

Telling anyone risks potential ableism or alienation. 

Asking for accommodations. Possibly more so than a visibly disabled person, a person with a non-apparent disability may have to self-disclose and then actively pursue the fulfillment of their support needs, access needs, or accommodations. I know many people who have voluntarily gone without the accommodations that they are legally entitled to, because they wanted to avoid shitty conversations about them and their needs. 

Being able to go without one’s accommodations and “pass” for non-disabled can be viewed as a privilege, but going without one’s needed support needs, access needs, or accommodations can also be difficult, painful, and sometimes more impossible than a person realizes.

Resource policing. Some people may not be visibly disabled, but may still need resources like a service dog, an accessible parking pass, or use of the accessible bathroom stall. It is not at all uncommon for random people in public to see someone that they don’t think is disabled making use of a public resource for disabled people, and decide to say something about it.

Cross-Disability Considerations

What are your character’s support needs, access needs, and/or accommodations? If they don’t have any, why not?

How is your character perceived? Is their disability apparent to all, some, or none of the people around them? Under what circumstances might it become apparent?

How comfortable is your character with talking about their disability? Is it something that they take pride in, or something they would rather not be defined by? Does it feel very personal to them, or is it not that big of a deal? In what situations do they explain their diagnosis, and in what situations do they decide not to?

In what ways does ableism manifest, or not manifest, in your character’s life? Is there stigma attached to their diagnosis? Why or why not?

How does the medical establishment of your setting view your character’s disability or disabilities? How does that contrast with other disabilities? What is the reasoning behind this?

How does your character feel about medical interventions or cures? How much time/effort/money are they willing to put into medical interventions and cures, and why might that be?

Is your character part of a community or identity group centered around their disability? Do they know anyone with their same disability, or any disabilities at all? How does this community, or the lack of it, feel to them? How does the representation and kinship, or lack thereof, feel to them?

Rethink

This visibly disabled character has it harder than the invisibly disabled character. Or vice versa. Try not to set up hierarchies of suffering or ability. Non-apparent disabilities can be just as disabling, or more so, than visible disabilities. Setting up these two arbitrary categories in conflict is not really necessary, and is ableist no matter what direction it is in.

This character has accommodations/access needs/support needs but doesn’t use them or seem to truly need them. Why would your character have accommodations/access needs/support needs but not use them? Why might it seem “better” to not have these kinds of needs?

This character goes to great lengths to appear non-disabled. Again - why? Not saying you can’t do this, but think about what messages it sends and be intentional in the way you write this.

This character is visibly disabled, but can function exactly like a non-disabled person in every way. Exact same questions as above. Also - how realistic is this? Why might it be important or valuable to adhere to a non-disabled standard? What might be gained or lost?

Resources

As I have mentioned, I don’t like recommending media I haven’t personally read/watched/listened to, because I like to know what I’m recommending. In reviewing my own stuff, I don’t have much for invisible vs. visible resources. I have two books that are pretty general. If anyone else has media that fits with this post, please feel free to add it on!

Demystifying Disability by Emily Landau is a cross-disability primer on disability basics, etiquette, and disability justice. It’s a quick read that I highly recommend.

Disability Visibility, collected by Alice Wong, is a book of essays written by disabled people about their lives, thoughts, and experiences. It’s super engaging and informative, and I also highly recommend, particularly because these people are talking about their own lives in their own words.

[somniumfaults]

My laptop needs to be fixed, so in the meantime! Here's my Tokyo Debunker OC that I've been working on!! Hehe <3 i love her and have both a drawing and fic wip of her waiting to be finished sometime ^^

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── ·

NAME: Misha

PRONOUNS: she/her

HOUSE: Sinostra (formerly Dionysia)

YEAR: 2nd

BIRTHDAY: May 17th

LIKES: cherries, pain/masochism

BLOOD TYPE: O+

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

“Who’s to say there will be tomorrow?”

Sinostra’s much needed second-year healer. Determined to live her life out to its fullest, she won’t take no for an answer, for better or worse. Some of her self-destructive habits worry those around her, but as long as she has no regrets, there’s nothing for her to lose.

Pinterest Outfit References

Taiga/Misha playlist

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

Motives: Take advantage of the opportunities you have to make the most of life and never let anyone take them from you. She was placed in Dionysia and transitioned into Sinostra when the house became defunct. Her placement in Sinostra was due to her resolution to be in control of her life no matter what. At the end of the day, she’ll do what she wants to do.

Demon pact: Sick of being chronically ill with an autoimmune disease no one cared enough to look into and the chronic pain, she chose to make a pact with a demon based on her anger at the idea of succumbing to her helplessness and the whims of other people. Her condition was not cured, but it is (almost always) forever at a stalemate as Buer’s ability to heal counteracts the damage done.

Stigma: Uber - can heal ailments* at the expense of an equivalent amount of her own blood

*ailments defined as temporary injuries or conditions. She can’t undo genetic conditions or change your brain chemistry.

Using her stigma allows for her autoimmune condition and chronic pain to reactivate due to the healing properties of her pact being redirected away from her. The more blood it requires, the worse she feels.

Due to the nature of her stigma, she can’t use it on herself because (a) she would be losing blood anyway and (b) accelerating the healing of other injuries would also allow for the acceleration of her autoimmune condition and risk injuring herself further internally.

Artifact: cherry bombs/m-80s

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

❣️ RELATIONSHIPS ❣️

★ Rui ★

Misha → Rui: close friends 🙂 she visits his bar often for some fun drinks and gossip. They partner up sometimes so they can make homebrew hangover medicine and various other quick pick-me-ups. She prefers to use her stigma when he’s around to help offset her pain. They spent a lot of time together in their first year due to being the only two ghouls in Dionysia and work together well. Hearing his voice helps calm her due to the familiarity that it invokes, and she wishes they could still touch each other like they could prior to the curse. She worries that he may be too lonely.

Rui → Misha: close friends! She's his closest friend on campus and one of the few people he truly trusts to voice his grievances to. He isn’t super enthused about their medicinal drink partnership because he knows the side effects on her, but he won’t lie that he likes experimenting with what can be made. Misha is the one who volunteered and pushed to do it though, so he can’t say no. He wishes she would take better care of herself.

★ Haru ★

Misha → Haru: her drinking buddy!! She thinks he’s adorable, especially when he’s all drunk and pouty. She had a fling with him in their first year but now they’re just close friends. She’ll come help out with the park if he really begs and owes her something, because she knows he’ll coax a mile out of her if she gives an inch. She does worry about him though, so it’s not strange to find her stopping by regardless to do small favors for him. Sometimes she sneaks him healing drinks Rui and her made to help give his body a boost rather than just let him down energy drinks. She admires his hard work a lot.

Haru → Misha: his drinking buddy!! He had a crush on her in his first year, but now they’re just friends. He feels bad taking her drinks when he knows they're using her stigma and usually protests if he realizes, but sometimes it's just easier for him to swallow the guilt and take it… He needs it, sometimes. He's a bit sad they didn't end up in the same house for their second year and wishes they could spend more time together. He dislikes that she ended up in Sinostra and is especially unhappy with her relationship and dynamic with Taiga, but he has to swallow his dissatisfaction and concern most of the time because he wants her to be happy. Even though he thinks Taiga doesn't deserve her.

★ Romeo ★

Misha → Romeo: her drinking buddy!! She finds him funny when she’s not the one having to deal with him, and her preferred setting for chatting to him is when they’re both at the bar with a drink. Their interactions can grow tense due to their respective stubbornness and refusal to back down from doing things their own way, but for the most part their day-to-day interactions only get snippy at most. At the end of the day, she respects him and his capabilities even though she disagrees with his attitude most of the time. If there's anyone who is determined to live his life to the fullest at Darkwick, it's Romeo.

Romeo → Misha: she’s frustrating to deal with but capable and more or less reliable, unless she thinks he’s being stupid and in which case she’s an IRB (incorrigible rogue brat). She has good ideas though, and has more drive than Taiga does nowadays, so he doesn’t actually mind her too much. It helps that while they'd never spent personal time together in their first year, it wasn't as if she hasn't already been engaging with and working with Sinostra due to Taiga and her stigma. He definitely abuses calling her whenever he needs help reeling Taiga in. Not that she's the perfect solution, but two people Taiga tolerates and has affection for in his own way is better than one.

★ Taiga ★

Misha → Taiga: they’re in some sort of committed romantic relationship, although it's complicated nowadays. She misses the way he was in his first year; they had interacted a lot because he needed blood in order to use his stigma and her stigma helped a bit with the brain fog side effects. (Although obviously she was not his entire blood source.) Still, despite his mental state clearly having deteriorated, she continues to like him a lot and loves the thrill he brings into her life. It makes her feel alive and in a way, even more in control of her life because the injuries she sustains with and for him are purely by her own choice. (She doesn’t spill blood just for Darkwick. She doesn’t have to heal anyone when she bleeds unless she wants to.) (Also she’s just kind of into it. Even if her brother despairs over her walking into his office with more than just your average hickey.)

Taiga → Misha: he is usually able to remember her at least after a few moments due to their extensive relationship through their first year until now, from work relations to romantic commitment. He finds her presence and voice to be grounding when he’s feeling poor and sometimes when he needs a break from everything, he makes her just sit with him and keep him company as he rests. Over time due to their blood arrangement, she’s become one of the few, if not only, people in his life he feels comfortable being vulnerable and weak around. He likes the feeling of her fingers in his hair. Her blood tastes good to him and he knows he feels better after having some of it (both with or without her stigma), and it's not unusual for him to spontaneously chomp down on her when he’s feeling peckish. Even if she were to protest, depending on his mood he’ll just smirk and/or grumble and say she shouldn't be leaving such a tempting snack out in the open like that then (showing skin).

★ Professor Nicolas ★

Misha → Nicolas: he's her older brother. She’s somewhat detached from him due to their age gap and him having rarely been home when she was younger (thanks Darkwick). Her initial reaction to him was tense and verging on hostile, because she wasn’t expecting to see him at Darkwick and felt betrayed for various reasons. (A) She was upset to see him knowing that he never called home and thought he didn’t care, which not only hurt her but made her angry because their parents missed him. (B) A part of her wondered if this was all his fault and if he planned for this to happen to her and (C) She was angry because if he had just been more present in her life, maybe he could have known about her situation and prevented all this from happening since he had access to superior medical facilities. After a time, she calmed down and forgave him more or less once she realized what the true dynamic/situation of Darkwick was with its staff and students. Now, she’s grown to appreciate his company and appreciate having someone she knows at the school. They have a comfortable relationship even if she finds his concern to be overly fussy at times

Nicolas → Misha: she's his younger sister. He holds some resentment and guilt in his heart towards himself and towards Darkwick for letting her become a ghoul, because he believes he could have stopped it had he been a more involved sibling and realized she was suffering. He also feels guilt towards hearing the confirmation that his family feels abandoned by him, but that’s soothed somewhat by the knowledge that he’s bound by his duties. Although also slightly detached from Misha by virtue of not having been a large part of her life consistently, he cares deeply for her and worries about the choices she makes and the risk of retribution towards her from Darkwick. Even though she's a ghoul and heals quickly, he wishes her and Taiga would show some restraint in breaking her skin or worse. (He doesn't approve of their relationship and dynamic at all, but he's forced to bite his tongue to keep the peace.)

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

technically this is still a work in progress bc she's my baby (oc I project onto) and I love thinking about her role in universe and elaborating on her dynamics w diff characters :3 but this is her "final" profile! Thanks for reading all that if you diddddd <3

shout-out and much thanks to @danieyells for their posts compiling info about the houses, stigmas, and more! They carried me a lot in making Misha, and you should definitely check out their posts <3

[cal-the-imp-artist]

WAHOO I FINALLY GOT MY WRITING CAP ON AFTER 5 YEARS!!

Anyway, I decided to write some Darla stuff about self worth and stuff, ya know the sillies. first time writing in a while so enjoy. Be nice please I will cry

PJO/HOO SPOILERS UNDER CUT!!! READ AT RISK!!

The Great Jason Grace; Praetor of Camp Jupiter with his wise knowledge and noble heart, Toppled the black throne and defeated Titan Krios, Bravely slew the Trojan sea monster against the screams of the waves, and aided the seven on their monumental quest.

Of course there's also The incredible Thaila Grace; Defeated an entire horde of monsters, The Clash of her sword haunting their nightmares, Immortal Hunter of The majestic and insightful Artemis, Both frozen in time Infinitely, Aided in the battle of Manhattan with the other hunters, arrows raining from above! She fought THE Luke Castellon under the control of the titan Kronos himself!

And then there's…me. Darla Czajka; if you can't tell, I only share one parent with the Graces (Hint, The parent is the one with the creepy “I'm staring at you while you're sleeping in the corner” statue in Cabin #1 with godly status ).

As far as I'm aware the only child of Zeus with exactly zero heroic accomplishments to be told as tales, chronic shyness so I can't tell my tales if I even had any, and at least I have the most fun thing any Demi-God could have! An autoimmune disease which keeps me from being any help on quests, sent me to the infirmary several times and turned my hair white! Yay..

I've done some studying about my siblings, and some other notable figures come into the history books, Such as probably one of the most well known Greek heroes “Heracles” There's a whole movie about him!

How am I supposed to compete with that? The most heroic thing I've done is help old ladies who smell like salmon across the busy street while cars honk, drivers yell and drive close to scare me (Chicago and New York are fun places to live) .. From what I've heard, everyone at Camp expects me to do something great like my siblings, something noteworthy, something noble, Like defeating a big strong bad guy with big horns and tusks like a scary chort who smells like old fish while cooking the most perfect fresh Pierogi for the whole camp.

I can't do all that.. I wonder what made Zeus want to stay with my mom? From what I remember, she was just a Polish story teller who decided to move to Chicago to start a business illustrating kids books.

What made Zeus think I'd be any good as his daughter?

Can't change fate, im guessing this whole camp learnt that the hard way.