A letter from the editors

Here at Alive and (un)Well, we’re in our Hot Mess Era™️ (you too?). We'll never expect you to say “I’m fine” when asked how you are, and there's no pressure to magically ✨ get well ✨ like the rest of the internet expects you to — but we sure would love to celebrate your good days with you!

We are guided by these core values:

  • Lived experience: Alive and (un)Well is created by people who live with health conditions, and for people who live with health conditions. If we had a dollar for every diagnosis we have, we'd have 40 bucks! Translation: We're living the dream and can't even afford a co-pay in the U.S. with that cash.

  • Authenticity: The inner workings of our bodies and minds are mysterious enough, so Alive and (un)Well aims to be the opposite. We keep it real by being transparent about our health, individual perspectives, and even the inner workings of this space we uphold, where vulnerability is celebrated.

  • Accessibility: We strongly believe you shouldn’t need a medical degree to figure out what’s going on in your mind and body. We strive to make health as accessible as possible (think: the opposite of a medical brochure), meeting you and ourselves right where we are.

We hope hanging out with us feels like a break from ableism and bullshit, that you feel seen and less alone, and like you’re truly hanging out with friends who get it.

Welcome to our group text,
Ash, Jess, Kat, and Skyler

We’re alive, we’re (un)well, now what?

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How does it work?

At the end of the day, living with a health condition — or too many to count 😅 — can be a lot of work. We don’t want to add more to your already never-ending task list.

You can pick and choose how you read and interact with us (feel free to lurk!), and whether that's as a free or paid subscriber. You’re never behind and you never need to catch up.

By default, two new articles go directly to your email inbox on Mondays and Thursdays. But if that makes you anxious (or you just don’t like it), you can turn that off in your settings! On the other weekdays, you can also find bonus content published directly on Substack.

For a spam-free, ad-free reading experience, plus audio and community vibes (think: a social media feed without the ick), get the free Substack app.

To learn more about the tech platform that powers this publication, visit Substack.com.

Come as you are, and we’ll be here when you’re ready. ❤️

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Health, meet Hot Mess Era™️. We strive to make health as accessible as possible (think: the opposite of a medical brochure). Come for the vulnerability, stay for all the jokes we wish our therapists would laugh at.

People

Chronically ill writer, editor, and children's book author trying to piece together a life that makes others feel seen. Fueled by sarcasm, coffee, rescue dogs, and headbands. I probably have a migraine right now.
Your new besties. Things we love: heating pads, therapy, and sarcasm. Things we don’t: ableism, water as a prescription, and flare-ups.
Just here for the newsletters! (i.e., Probably not going to respond to anything in a timely manner. Sorry for any inconvenience!)
A storyteller with a penchant for the fantastical found behind or in front of the lens. She also loves creating content and making costumes plucked from a fairytale. She throws her heart into everything she touches so that you find that magic, too.
Angry little cupcake. Leadership & Firewalk Facilitator. Rooted in love and liberation, fueled by a belief that a better world is possible.