How TED Talks Helped Me Cope With Narcolepsy

In my journey with narcolepsy, TED Talks have been a beacon of inspiration, not just as a source of information but as a vital tool in managing my mental health and well-being. These talks offer more than just strategies to cope; they provide personal testimonies and insights that can resonate deeply with those of us struggling to live with a chronic condition.

Here, I share how four particular talks have not only inspired me but helped me to find strength and perseverance despite the challenges I’ve faced.

Striking a chord with me

Janine Shepherd’s talk, "A Broken Body Isn't a Broken Person," struck a chord with me. Hearing Janine describe how she redefined her identity and goals after a life-altering injury reminded me that my own identity isn't defined by narcolepsy.

Her journey encouraged me to look beyond my physical limitations and see the potential for new dreams and achievements. This talk reassured me that transformation is possible and that letting go of who I was supposed to be could open doors to who I could become.

Vicky Potter’s "Disability Not Invisibility: My Experience with Chronic Illness" highlighted the daily invisibility of conditions like narcolepsy. Vicky’s openness about the struggles of living with an invisible illness mirrored my experiences. Her discussion on the stigma and challenges around disability employment resonated with me, reinforcing that our struggles are seen and shared and that advocating for change is extremely important to bring about change.

Reminding me of my own journey

Caitlin Graves' "Keep the Cape: Invisible Disabilities are Not Superpowers" shifted my perspective on how society views disabilities. Caitlin’s emphasis on empowerment over adversity and her call for a shift in language from 'overcoming' to 'embracing' helped me appreciate my unique abilities instead of mourning my limitations.

Her words encouraged me to embrace my narcolepsy as part of my identity, not a barrier to my aspirations, and taught me to stop seeing my disability as a limitation and start seeing it as an aspect of my potential.

Finally, Brianne Benness's "Disease Begins Before Diagnosis" underscored the often isolating path to getting a diagnosis. Her talk about the challenges of navigating the healthcare system while seeking answers reminded me of my own journey. Brianne’s advocacy for better medical understanding and patient support echoed my belief in the importance of community and shared knowledge in managing chronic conditions.

Shaping my approach to life with narcolepsy

Together, these talks have been instrumental in shaping my approach to living with narcolepsy. These TED Talks have not only provided comfort but also spurred me to advocate for myself and others, reminding me of the resilience of the human spirit and the power of shared experiences.

They have helped me maintain mental health and provided inspiration to keep going, no matter how challenging my narcolepsy can be. Through these shared stories, I have found a community that understands and supports each other, highlighting the universal struggle and resilience inherent in the human condition. Let these talks inspire and comfort you, as they have me, reminding us that we are never alone in our struggles.

I highly encourage anyone to watch any of these and share your thoughts! If you’ve seen others that inspired you, please also feel free to share!