Sometimes we might not want to always talk about it and be forever explaining ourselves.

One day I really had to go to the toilet urgently as my bladder wouldn’t give me much notice. It was a hospital (which I find hard to navigate at the best of times.) There was a separate disabled toilet, but I couldn’t see where the general ladies toilets were. So feeling like there wasn’t time and therefore leaving me no choice, I used the disabled toilet.

I know these are designed for wheelchair users. I wouldn’t normally use one as they should be kept free for them. So I was deeply embarrassed when, to my horror, as I exited there was a wheelchair user waiting. The knowing look I got from them made me die inside, so I just shyly smiled and held the door open for them. I felt like a criminal. If they knew my problem I’m sure they wouldn’t have taken issue with me using the disabled toilet. But as I can walk (or limp actually) on my own two feet, I was judged as being thoughtless and/or lazy. I have an invisible disability, my brain and bladder, you just can’t see them.

If another disabled person can look down on me, (so to speak, don’t write in pointing out that when I’m standing a person sitting down has to look up at me) what must the general public think? But my issues are legitimate and just as important to recognise. And I’m still trying to accept how things are different for me now. Believe me, there’s no one harder on me than myself. I didn’t ask to have an invisible disability. Please just cut me some slack.