I never felt like a “normal” kid growing up. I faced health problems that, at times, made it hard for me to go to school, hang out with friends, and do the thing I loved most in the world, play soccer. My parents and I were always seeking answers to the issues I was having, and this took a real toll on my mental health. After many years of doctor appointments, hospital visits, and testing, doctors finally diagnosed me with Crohn’s Disease, a chronic inflammatory bowel disease, and PNES, a neurological disorder. Most of you have probably heard of Crohn’s. It’s pretty miserable until it’s treated and goes into remission. PNES (Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures) is less well known. It is caused by psychological factors, such as stress, trauma, or emotional issues, and/or by physiological factors, such as Crohn’s Disease. Emotional reactions are unconsciously converted into physical symptoms like loss of consciousness and shaking and my episodes look like actual seizures. Years of not knowing what was physically wrong with me and doctors always telling me my case was very complicated caused a lot of stress, anxiety, and trauma. My mental health affected my physical health and vice versa.