Updated: Jan 19, 2022 By Aisling O’Connell Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3oCXRTKEM8s9x8YC4625lH?si=1ebdce3ec57445c5 Hello hello! As this is my first post for The LUNA Project (scary but mostly exciting) I’ll begin with a little intro about myself. My name is Aisling, I’ve recently turned 21 and I grew up in Greater London. I’m about to enter my fourth …
By Beth Dillon (she/her) The term ‘transition’ has numerous meanings, however in this context it refers predominantly to the move from paediatrics (children’s) to adult services. This process is usually completed around ages 16-18 but often starts as young as 13. It can also refer to the move between different services for instance in my …
By Seren Thomas Content warning – Discussion of eating disorders. Eating disorders are becoming increasingly prevalent worldwide. But health professionals’ lack of cross-cultural understanding and education about the specific needs of underrepresented people could prolong or worsen their disorders. Current treatment models for eating disorders generally assume a thin, white, cis, heterosexual, middle-to-upper-class young woman …
By Philippa Wimbledon (she/her) Sometimes with chronic illnesses it can take months or even several years to get a diagnosis. In my own experience it took six years before it was officially noted on my medical record. The average time with someone with my condition is eight years so I always count myself as one …
Anon Content warning: Discussion of eating disorders. The term ‘eating disorder’ is autological, it defines itself. Anyone who has frequent disordered eating behaviours or habits can be labelled as having an eating disorder and last year I started displaying these behaviours. Understanding that this goes beyond the typical illnesses such as anorexia, bulimia, and binge-eating …
By Rachael Banks (she/her) You’re Cancer-free! Now, into the abyss with you! Dramatic, yes. However, navigating life after cancer can often feel like a form of rehabilitation. That is, into life as you knew it. That’s what makes it so overwhelming. How can you go back to normal, when you are changed? When I got …
By Ross Tanner (he/they) The intersection of two or more different identities can be tricky. Belonging to two or more marginalised groups comes not only with its own prejudices from internal and external factors, but belonging to two is a whole other ball game with prejudices and discrimination transcending from other dimensions. To be disabled …
By Mirren Buchanan (she/her), in conversation with her partner Andy (he/him) Hi! My name is Mirren and I’m a 19-year-old student at the University of Glasgow. I have a seizure disorder caused by my nervous system not functioning as well as it should, and I’ve previously written for the LUNA Project about the loneliness I’ve …
By Dolly Carter “When your lifestyle is your medicine, changes to it can have a big impact on your quality of life.” Three years ago, at the onset of her chronic health issues, Sasha Donovan-Anns had lost a quarter of her body weight; this sudden weight loss made her very weak, having a negative impact …
An interview with Emma Illingworth (she/her), written up by Ross Tanner (he/they) There is no question of why lockdown is difficult. It’s tough being isolated from friends, families and the outside world. Events, celebrations and other markers in our lives that give us structure and purpose have been disturbed or cancelled. Often the isolation, the …