United By Lyme

01/22/2026

01/22/2026

I just came across this little note I wrote to myself the day before I started my Lyme battle. I wish it was dated but if I had to guess it would be Sunday, June 25, 2017. My first appointment had been on Friday, June 23 and I had decided to take the weekend to prepare. Intuitively, I knew this battle would take every ounce of courage and tenacity that I had. It would be hard and scary. But, I was ready to feel better. (P.S. - my husband and I decided to name my disease Calvin. The idea being that naming it would give me a tangible presence to hate. I'm not sure if it worked or not but from time to time I did scream out, "I hate you Calvin!!") On Monday, June 26 of 2017 my battle began. New diet, tons of pills, lots of rest, detox, no job. Nothing but battling Lyme, bartonella and babesia for the next 2 1/2 years.

01/21/2026

Has Lyme disease affected your mental health?

"Lyme disease can have devastating medical and psychological effects, wreaking havoc on relationships, finances, cognition, emotions, quality of life and all aspects of daily functioning.

It is almost certain that people can develop psychiatric symptoms as a result of the problems Lyme disease may cause in their lives, but the idea that infection itself may be driving psychiatric symptoms should not be dismissed.

Lyme causes an inflammatory response in the host and that association of inflammation and psychiatric problems and suicidal behavior are well-documented." (US News)

We struggle with mental health issues, and some days just feel like too much. If you find yourself feeling the same way, please don't give up. Message us if you need someone to talk to 💚

01/21/2026

"The trauma of treating Lyme disease is real. I also know that if you experienced trauma as a child, the very real anguish of treatment can be exacerbated exponentially. This in turn, can slow down your progress in treating the disease. Essentially, you’re now fighting a battle on two fronts. You need a comrade to cover your back and hand you weapons so you can be the hero of your own story."

From anxiety and fear, to loneliness and depression. Relationship issues to loss of a career. From pain to uncertainty and the uncertainty of the pain. Your emotions run the gamut,...

01/20/2026

Michell C. Clark

01/20/2026

The will to keep fighting may falter from time to time. That's when you search for that light of inspiration to keep going. It may be hard to find but there is light even in the darkness.

01/20/2026

"I believe the will to keep going comes from a deep, primordial space in ourselves. Despite this innate desire to live, sometimes it feels like the well is running dry. When, day after day, you are digging into that well, searching for the strength to carry on, it can feel as though it’s being depleted. That is when it is so important to dig a little deeper and find that new gem of motivation."

I remember June 23, 2017 with bizarre clarity. I say bizarre because, despite the jarring effect it has on my memory, there's a blurriness that surrounds that day. A hidden...

01/19/2026

Lyme disease can be very lonely. This is a great way to feel a little less alone. We all need support.

MAL meet-ups occur a couple of times a month and are geared towards mothers raising children with Lyme, or mothers with Lyme themselves. It serves as a support group where you will discuss a common theme each meeting, share stories of your own struggle caused by Lyme, as well as hear advice from oth...

01/19/2026

The Northwest could really use some advocates! If you'd like to see changes made to how we view Lyme disease in this country, this is your chance to speak up.

By the Center for Lyme Action Momentum matters—and right now, the Lyme and tick-borne disease community has it. On the heels of the recent HHS Lyme