chronic illness

I have recently found out that I may have a chronic illness.

I have never felt right my whole life--I've always felt fatigued, spacey, low energy, and have had random dizzy spells. In addition, I have gone my whole life not being treated for my mental disorders. Recently, my mental health has decided to manifest physical symptoms and has made my life a living hell. Due to this, I tried an antidepressant, and...to cut the juicy details it made me feel so much worse than how I was already feeling. I had such a bad reaction that my doctor had me referred to a neurologist.

Ever since then, my life has been extremely low. I feel dizzy, lightheaded, and fatigued every day. I had to quit my job because I couldn't stand doing 8-12 hour shifts running around on concrete and being talked at by customers. I have a hard time leaving the house altogether without worrying if I'm going to have a fainting spell. I have to be on top of everything I do, but at what cost? Just to remain feeling like shit every day? 

It made me grateful for the healthy body I once had. Grateful I never had a major health problem until now. I'm learning to cope with lifestyle changes, but it's very hard to pretend like everything is okay all the time. I miss working (sort of), I miss going out with my friends, I miss having a school routine, I miss living a somewhat normal life. Now this "invisible illness" is holding me back.

The only thing that gives me hope is hearing other people's success stories with their own chronic illnesses. I've been told that people with the chronic condition that I am waiting to be diagnosed with can live a somewhat normal life through medication and lifestyle changes. 

If anyone else would like to share their story about their chronic illness and how they cope, this is a safe space! I'd like to hear. :) take care of yourselves everyone!