Illness & Disability

Home Illness & Disability Learning you have an illness or disability

Learning you have an illness or disability

"I was diagnosed with diabetes right before Halloween, and I'll never forget it. I found out that the type of diabetes I have means that my body has trouble producing insulin, a hormone that helps you metabolize carbohydrates. When I heard what was involved in treating diabetes—injecting myself twice daily with insulin, testing my blood, monitoring my diet—I was more upset than I've ever been in my life. To make matters worse, I couldn't have any candy that Halloween and was stuck at home handing out candy to trick-or-treaters."

Jessica, 16
Young People and Chronic Illness, by Kelly Huegel

Being a teen is not easy. But it can be even harder when you learn you have an illness or disability. If you’ve just learned you have an illness or disability, you may be scared because you don’t know exactly what it means or what to expect. Or, like Jessica, you may be overwhelmed by the changes you’ll need to make to manage your condition. You may be asking yourself, “How will this change my life?” or “How will I make it through this?” These feelings are normal.

Finding out you have an illness or disability is tough. Here are some things you can do that may help you feel better:

Research your illness or disability:

• What is it?
• What causes it?
• How do you manage it?
• Check out the Types of Illness and Disability section for information on specific conditions.
• Talk to teens who have an illness or disability – Ask them how they felt when they first found out and how they live with their conditions.

You can meet other teens at Ability Online, a site for kids with an illness or disability.

Content last updated June 2, 2007

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