I’m Stepping Out of the Past to Fully Appreciate the Present
It’s hard to live in the present when the past feels as close as my shadow. I can’t stop thinking about the things I have lost. I’m nearly immobile, so the things…
The Mighty Mind — Rachel Doboga
Before being diagnosed with ALS at age 28, Rachel was an English teacher. Now, she has found joy and a new purpose in writing about ALS to spread awareness, inspire advocates, and connect with fellow ALS warriors.
Featured Post
Trying the Self-care Power Hour
When I look back at 2018, I feel pride. I fought my ALS hard. I forced myself to finish all my meals, even when I had zero appetite, to minimize weight loss.
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Learning to Overcome My Biggest Fears
Living in the present has always been hard for me. I had such grand dreams for my future. It is hard to come to terms with the fact that I won’t…
How I Stay Connected to My Career
One of the most awful parts of my diagnosis was the loss of my career. Teaching was more than a job to me — it was part of my identity. I wish…
Mighty Mind Strategies for Managing Pain
Over the past year, I have become an expert in pain — something I never wanted to be. However, daily severe muscle spasms, cramping, one surgery, and an emergency room visit later,…
Create the Perfect Treatment Plan for Your Depression in 3 Steps: Part 2
Part two of a series. Read part one here. To help you get started with creating your perfect treatment plan for depression, I will share my experience with two types of…
Create the Perfect Treatment Plan for Your Depression in 3 Steps: Part 1
First in a series of two columns on creating a plan to treat depression. In my last column on preventing and identifying depression, I promised to create a guide to…
Fight Depression by Keeping Watch on Ourselves and Others
Depression is a sneaky beast. It’s the monster beneath the bed, waiting until you’re vulnerable to grab you by the ankles, drag you into its dark, misty kingdom and leave you…
5 Steps to Make Your Relationships Stronger than ALS
Living with ALS can cause dramatic changes to your relationships. When I felt my relationships fracturing under the strain of my disease and growing disabilities, I realized I needed help. So, I turned to…
Is Your Doctor Hurting Your Mental Health? Why You Need an Emotionally Intelligent Doctor
“If I was a broken clock, would you throw screwdrivers and bolts into my tool shed?” – “Tool Shed” by Chaya Nemiccolo What is emotional intelligence? Patients can…
Welcome to My Column, ‘The Mighty Mind’
Welcome to “The Mighty Mind.” When I was diagnosed with ALS at age 28 in 2015, I felt like I had lost everything. My body, without warning or reason, had turned on me, and…
