EPISODE · May 31, 2026 · 38 MIN
Living With Invisible Illness, Chronic Pain & Redefining Identity
from The Irish Occupational Therapy Podcast · host The Irish Occupational Therapy Podcast
In this deeply honest and powerful episode of the Irish Occupational Therapy Podcast, we are joined by Michele Roys, author, podcast host, and advocate, to discuss her experience of living with trigeminal neuralgia, fibromyalgia, Lyme disease, and chronic pain.Michele shares the profound impact that invisible illnesscan have on identity, daily life, relationships, work, and emotional well-being. From being a highly driven, ambitious, and independent person to navigating severe chronic pain, fatigue, grief, and uncertainty, Michele speaks openly about the psychological and practical realities of rebuilding life afterillness.Together, we explore:· Living with invisible illness and chronic pain· Trigeminal neuralgia and fibromyalgia· The emotional impact of life-changing diagnoses· Occupational loss, identity, and redefiningpurpose· Pacing, fatigue management, and “spoon theory”· Self-compassion, boundaries, and adaptingexpectations· Navigating healthcare systems and advocating foryourself· The importance of validation and being believed· Holistic approaches to wellbeing and healingThe role of Occupational Therapy in supporting everydayparticipation and adjustmentMichele also discusses the inspiration behind her book ButYou Look Fine and her own podcast, where she shares conversations around resilience, healing, mindset, and navigating life when circumstances changeunexpectedly.This episode is an important conversation about the hiddenrealities of chronic illness and the strength it takes to rebuild identity, meaning, and participation in everyday life. It offers insight not only for healthcare professionals, but for anyone living with chronic illness, supporting a loved one, or trying to better understand the lived experience ofinvisible disability. Link to purchase Michele's book https://www.omahonys.ie/but-you-look-just-fine-my-journey-to-rediscover-joy-amidst-chronic-pain-and-invisible-illness-p-10614055.html
What this episode covers
In this deeply honest and powerful episode of the Irish Occupational Therapy Podcast, we are joined by Michele Roys, author, podcast host, and advocate, to discuss her experience of living with trigeminal neuralgia, fibromyalgia, Lyme disease, and chronic pain.Michele shares the profound impact that invisible illnesscan have on identity, daily life, relationships, work, and emotional well-being. From being a highly driven, ambitious, and independent person to navigating severe chronic pain, fatigue, grief, and uncertainty, Michele speaks openly about the psychological and practical realities of rebuilding life afterillness.Together, we explore:· Living with invisible illness and chronic pain· Trigeminal neuralgia and fibromyalgia· The emotional impact of life-changing diagnoses· Occupational loss, identity, and redefiningpurpose· Pacing, fatigue management, and “spoon theory”· Self-compassion, boundaries, and adaptingexpectations· Navigating healthcare systems and advocating foryourself· The importance of validation and being believed· Holistic approaches to wellbeing and healingThe role of Occupational Therapy in supporting everydayparticipation and adjustmentMichele also discusses the inspiration behind her book ButYou Look Fine and her own podcast, where she shares conversations around resilience, healing, mindset, and navigating life when circumstances changeunexpectedly.This episode is an important conversation about the hiddenrealities of chronic illness and the strength it takes to rebuild identity, meaning, and participation in everyday life. It offers insight not only for healthcare professionals, but for anyone living with chronic illness, supporting a loved one, or trying to better understand the lived experience ofinvisible disability. Link to purchase Michele's book https://www.omahonys.ie/but-you-look-just-fine-my-journey-to-rediscover-joy-amidst-chronic-pain-and-invisible-illness-p-10614055.html
NOW PLAYING
Living With Invisible Illness, Chronic Pain & Redefining Identity
No transcript for this episode yet
Similar Episodes
No similar episodes found.
Similar Podcasts
No similar podcasts found.