Finding Strength Beyond Invisible Disability

When life changes — through serious illness, trauma or invisible disability — it can feel like the ground has shifted beneath us. In this powerful episode, Dr Lee David speaks with Dr Amrita Sen Mukherjee about her journey through diagnosis, grief and identity loss, and how she found strength, self-compassion and a renewed sense of purpose. They explore the concept of post-traumatic growth, what it means to find yourself again and how aligning your choices with your values – even in small ways – can create a new, more authentic path forward.Amrita speaks with honesty about the stigma of hidden disability in medicine, the fragility of being disbelieved, and the empowering process of reclaiming her story through research, coaching and connection.Whether you’re living with an invisible illness, supporting someone who is, or a clinician supporting others, this episode is a gentle reminder that healing isn’t about returning to who you were – it’s about discovering who you are now.What we cover 00:00 Connection, courage and self-worth 01:51 Finding meaning and rebuilding life after illness 04:43 Becoming the patient – facing vulnerability and identity change 07:24 The emotional impact of being unseen and disbelieved 10:46 Grief, acceptance and the strength that follows loss 13:11 Naming experiences – how words reduce shame and restore confidence 14:50 The Choice Pause – the values compass 16:32 Post-traumatic growth, recovery and purpose 19:22 The linear flow – staying centred on what matters when life feels turbulent 25:29 Everyday choices – protecting energy and setting healthy limits 28:50 Finding support – the power of connection and understanding 33:57 Closing reflection – courage, compassion and choosing what matters most About the hostDr Lee David is a GP, CBT therapist and author specialising in mental health and wellbeing.  She is the founder of The Choice Space therapy and wellbeing hub, and a podcast host sharing evidence-based tools for self-doubt, stress and everyday decision-making. Lee has written books on CBT, mindfulness and teen wellbeing, and speaks regularly at conferences and in the media. Away from work she enjoys running, hiking, singing in a choir and spending time outdoors with her family. You can find Lee on Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn.  You can find more about her books and wellbeing courses here. About the guestDr Amrita Sen Mukherjee is a GP, positive psychology practitioner, coach and disability advocate whose work focuses on post-traumatic growth and invisible disability. Her research explores how doctors find growth after life-changing illness, and she leads national advocacy for inclusion through her role as co-chair of the Disabled Doctors Network. Recognised with awards from the University of East London, the RCGP and Pulse magazine, she combines clinical expertise with a compassionate, human approach to recovery and wellbeing.  Listen to her TEDx talk.  You can find her research here. You can contact her at LinkedIn and Your Wellbeing DoctorFB /Insta: @yourwellbeingdoctor  X: @yourwellbeingdrAbout the hostDr Lee David is a GP, CBT therapist and author specialising in mental health and wellbeing. Lee has written many books on CBT, mindfulness and teen wellbeing, and speaks regularly at conferences and in the media. Away from work she enjoys running, hiking, singing in a choir and spending time outdoors with her family. You can find Lee through her website and on Instagram, TikTok (@dr.lee.david), Facebook and LinkedIn.  You can find more about her books, wellbeing courses and therapy here:  https://linktr.ee/dr.lee.david