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My Youth Is Not Health

For HuffPost, I wrote a response to the harmful ideology that "youth is health." Also, poop.

Greg Mania

Mar 14
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Over the weekend, HuffPost published an essay that I've—‘til now—been anxious about people reading. While I've been open about my chronic pain and illness, I haven't fully written about the extreme mental toll they’ve taken on me, amongst other challenges, with both daily and long-term effects. This essay is an attempt to untangle some of that complexity, and create a space for me—and others living with chronic illness—to, at the very least, sit with. Hopefully, by doing so, we can together reach—or become more open to the idea of someday striving for—a place of radical acceptance.

I've woken up to over a hundred emails and direct messages this morning, from folks all over, sharing their stories with me, and thanking me for sharing mine. It echoes the importance of community, one of which I am so happy and grateful to have found. If you're struggling to adjust to life with chronic illness, this essay is for you. I hope that you feel seen, heard, and—most of all—validated.

To read my full essay, head over to HuffPost.

With love and solidarity,

GM

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Comments
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10 Comments

  • Jane Wells
    Writes Wells $treet
    Greg, you make me laugh even as I want to cry. I think my takeaway from your story is to listen to those who do not feel heard, and to have no expectations about what they can or can’t do. Also, Mexico is overrated.
    3
    • 15w
    • Author
      Greg Mania
      Jane! Thank you so much for taking the time to read my words and reaching out. Appreciate it—and you, always.
      • 14w
  • Silvana Ordoñez
    I am grateful for you and your openness and for raising awareness about an this invisible struggle ❤
    • 14w
    • Author
      Greg Mania
      Grateful for you, always ❤
      • 14w
  • Marie Adam
    Incredible writing. Powerful. You have spoken for so, so many with invisible and visible chronic conditions. Please don't stop. Thanks. Best to you.
    • 14w
    • Author
      Greg Mania
      Thank YOU for reading and reaching out. Xx
      • 14w
  • Manon McLull
    Saw this on Apple News and cheered! Thank you for your vulnerability and humor. You‘re helping more people than you can count.
    • 15w
    • Author
      Greg Mania
      <3<3<3
      • 15w
  • Hallie Danielle
    Hello Greg, I understand your experience very personally as I have been through a similar situation. I also have a Fibromyalgia diagnosis, and similar challenges to yours -- as I was only 19 when I started dealing with pain. I don't have the GI symptom…
    See more
    • 14w
    • Author
      Greg Mania
      hi, hallie! thank you so much for taking the time to read my words and reaching out with such understanding and compassion. i appreciate you sharing your story with me (plus everyone who reads this newsletter), including some very helpful tips that I'm…
      See more
      • 13w
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