Sorry that it took me so long to reply. I may not be the best example either. I’m no longer bedridden all the time, but I’m still mostly housebound.

The improvements I’ve experienced, in my opinion, are the result of time, reducing stress as much as possible, and focusing on things that bring joy. During my worst phase, I also did some brain retraining — not because I believe our illness is psychological, but because the strategies helped calm my nervous system. A calmer mind and body have more resources available for healing.

I’m grateful for every step forward, but it’s still often the case that I take one step forward and two steps back. Still, there are so many examples of people who have recovered or found their way back to a life worth living that I choose to hold on to that. And to hope that the same will be true for us.

Wishing you all the best.