Naomi Whittingham

@naomiwhitt.bsky.social

Writing is my voice from a hidden world. Published in The Daily Telegraph and Open Democracy. Now focusing on my own website. www.alifehidden.com

I realised there was a part of chronic illness that I'd never actually written about. Not the grief or the isolation. But the experience of living inside a body that feels so unpredictable and unsafe. Now I’ve written it. I’d love to know if it resonates with you.

The Burden of Chronic Illness That I Rarely Talk About

Being ill is hard.  What an obvious thing to say – and yet how often it goes unspoken.  I’ve written about many aspects of life with long-term illness: from the grief of dreams shat…

alifehidden.com

“Grief sits heavily indeed when it must be stared full in the face, day after day. But joy, conversely, soars high in a life stripped bare. How intense is the beauty of the sky or a spring flower when days are bleak.” Another beautifully written blog by @naomiwhitt.bsky.social

On Gratitude and Grief

Through many years living with severe illness, I’ve come to know a lot about emotions.  From the sorrow and regret of a life lived so differently to anything that might have been chosen; to th…

alifehidden.com

My new blog post on gratitude, grief - and the challenge of finding balance between the two. Although this is written from the perspective of living with long-term illness, I hope it will resonate with people in many different life situations. 🧵(1/5) alifehidden.com/2025/10/20/g...

On Gratitude and Grief

Through many years living with severe illness, I’ve come to know a lot about emotions.  From the sorrow and regret of a life lived so differently to anything that might have been chosen; to th…

alifehidden.com

My new blog post on gratitude, grief - and the challenge of finding balance between the two. Although this is written from the perspective of living with long-term illness, I hope it will resonate with people in many different life situations. 🧵(1/5) alifehidden.com/2025/10/20/g...

On Gratitude and Grief

Through many years living with severe illness, I’ve come to know a lot about emotions.  From the sorrow and regret of a life lived so differently to anything that might have been chosen; to th…

alifehidden.com

Thank you to @thesicktimes.org for giving me the opportunity to share Kara’s story with a new audience. Do take a moment to learn about her and discover her beautiful music.

Miles W. Griffis@mileswgriffis.bsky.social · 12mo ago

Late singer Kara Jane's family has released her album "In Limbo" posthumously on #SevereMEday 💙. Read more about Kara, the album, and the impact of severe ME in this wonderful article by @naomiwhitt.bsky.social in @thesicktimes.org. thesicktimes.org/2025/08/08/p...

As we approach #MEAwarenessWeek, a piece recognising the courage that exists in our community. It acknowledges those who have lost their lives, those who have not improved, and those who’ve experienced progress - along with the loved ones who witness it all. alifehidden.com/2025/05/07/c... (1/7)

Courage Exists in the Darkest of Places

Today I updated my In Memoriam page, commemorating two friends who have died in the past nine months.  It’s a page I always update with reluctance: my heart is heavy and I struggle to find words.  …

alifehidden.com

As we approach #MEAwarenessWeek, a piece recognising the courage that exists in our community. It acknowledges those who have lost their lives, those who have not improved, and those who’ve experienced progress - along with the loved ones who witness it all. alifehidden.com/2025/05/07/c... (1/7)

Courage Exists in the Darkest of Places

Today I updated my In Memoriam page, commemorating two friends who have died in the past nine months.  It’s a page I always update with reluctance: my heart is heavy and I struggle to find words.  …

alifehidden.com

I seem to have gained a number of followers here, despite having posted virtually nothing! Thank you to everyone who has followed me - I hope to be more active in 2025. I begin by sharing a post on New Year that I wrote a few years ago. (1/4)

Is There Hope in a New Year?

Life has made me wary of looking too far ahead.  Even before the turmoil of 2020, my road was one of uncertainty.  New Year has long felt like standing on a cliff edge and looking down: t…

alifehidden.com