I Don't Want to Talk About Scoliosis Today

Some days, you don't mind talking about scoliosis.

You answer questions.

You discuss appointments.

You talk about monitoring.

You think about your back.

It's fine.

And then there are other days.

Days when you don't want to hear the word scoliosis even once.

Days when you don't want to talk about your curve.

Days when you don't want to think about appointments.

Days when you don't want to discuss your shoulders, your rib hump, or your next X-ray.

Days when you just want to be a normal teenager.

Those days are completely normal.

The problem is that your parents don't always know which kind of day you're having.

They may ask a question about your back.

They may bring up your next appointment.

They may mention scoliosis at dinner.

Meanwhile, you're thinking:

"Not today."

"Please not today."

"Can we talk about literally anything else?"

If you've ever felt that way, there is nothing wrong with you.

Wanting a break from scoliosis does not mean you're ignoring it.

It does not mean you're being irresponsible.

It does not mean you don't care.

It simply means you're human.

Monitoring can last for years.

Years.

That's a long time to think about the same thing.

A very long time.

And sometimes your brain needs a break.

Sometimes your heart needs a break.

Sometimes your confidence needs a break.

You deserve days where scoliosis is not the main topic of conversation.

You deserve days where you're allowed to focus on school, friends, hobbies, movies, sports, vacations, and all the other things that make up your life.

Because scoliosis is part of your life.

It is not your entire life.

One thing many teens don't realize is that it's okay to tell your parents this.

You don't have to be rude.

You don't have to snap at them.

You can simply be honest.

You might say:

"Can we not talk about scoliosis right now?"

Or:

"I know it's important, but I need a break from thinking about it today."

Or:

"My back is fine. Can we talk about something else?"

Those are reasonable requests.

In fact, many parents will understand immediately.

They may not realize how much space scoliosis is taking up in your mind.

They may think they're helping by checking in.

They may not know you're feeling overwhelmed.

The only way they know is if you tell them.

Another thing worth remembering is that breaks are healthy.

Athletes take breaks.

Students take breaks.

Teachers take breaks.

Everyone takes breaks.

You are allowed to take a mental break from scoliosis too.

That doesn't mean you skip appointments.

That doesn't mean you stop paying attention to your health.

It simply means you give yourself permission to think about other things.

To enjoy other things.

To be interested in other things.

To be more than a diagnosis for a while.

And honestly, that's something every person with scoliosis deserves.

Because there is so much more to you than your curve.

There is so much more to your family than monitoring.

There is so much more to life than scoliosis.

Sometimes the healthiest thing you can do is spend an entire day remembering that.