By Matthew Sims
Yarraville author Juliet Wilson has overcome 12 years of health difficulties and has put her learnings of how to confront adversity and health issues into a new book.
Launched last month, she said ‘But You Look Healthy’ was a way to tell the story of her battle living with Lyme disease and a number of other chronic illnesses under Multiple Systemic Infectious Diseases Syndrome [MSIDS] and impart her wisdom to those dealing with similar struggles.
“Realising that there are so many people like me around the world, not diagnosed properly and struggling for years, I felt that it was important to share what I had learned, in the hope of helping others regain their health and survive the experience along the way,” she said.
“This is the book I wish I had read 12 years ago.”
Ms Wilson said she had reached a new understanding of her own resilience and what she values in her life.
“Adversity never leaves us as it found us, and now that I have recovered, I can see the positive ways that the journey has changed me,” she said.
“Through the experience, I developed new coping skills and more mental strength, and feel empowered as a result.”
Ms Wilson said she hoped the book instilled a similar sense of hope and broader understanding of issues surrounding Lyme disease and other chronic illnesses.
“My book is dedicated to all those who are suffering from complex, long-term illness, or supporting someone through it,” she said.
“The message I hope people take away from reading it is that you are not alone, and there is hope.”
‘But You Look Healthy!’ is now available at The Sun Bookshop in Yarraville, Readings in Carlton and on Amazon.
