Bridging Hearts, Healing Lives!
The HeLoHe Project Journey
Introduction:
In the quiet struggles of those battling Fibromyalgia, I found an unspoken language of pain, misunderstood symptoms, and the yearning for empathetic connection. As I started my M.F.A. final thesis journey, I delved into the lives of Fibromyalgia patients, determined to bring support and understanding through the creation of the HeLoHe app.
What is Fibromyalgia?
Often referred to as widespread pain, Fibromyalgia is a condition marked by chronic widespread pain and multiple symptoms, including fatigue, sleeping issues, cognitive dysfunction, and depressive episodes.
Project Name:
HeLoHe
Help, Love, Heal!
Serves as a powerful and memorable expression of the project's mission to enhance communication, understanding, and overall well-being within Fibromyalgia relationships.
My Fibro Journey:
HeLoHe isn't just a project for me; it's deeply personal. Five years of my life were shrouded in the mystery of relentless pain. Countless doctor visits, examinations, and specialized consultations left me frustrated and unheard. The struggle to explain my invisible pain to those who said, "But You Don't Look Sick," became a battle in itself.
Me; Becoming a Fibro Warrior:
After half a decade of uncertainty, a physician diagnosed Fibromyalgia. Overnight, I transitioned from a patient seeking answers to a Fibro warrior advocating for understanding. The frustration of being misunderstood fueled my commitment to HeLoHe, a project driven not only by empathy but by lived experience.
Discovery Through Empathy:
Through intimate conversations with Fibromyalgia warriors, I discovered the profound challenges they face in communicating their daily battles with loved ones. As one courageous patient shared, "My husband takes advice from articles more seriously than what I say to him," unveiling the profound gap in understanding between patients and their partners.
Seeds of Inspiration:
It was these heart-wrenching narratives that planted the seeds of inspiration for HeLoHe. Witnessing patients hesitate to seek help due to discomfort, fearing the strain it might put on their relationships, ignited a passion to create a solution that would foster empathy and understanding.
The Human-Centered Approach:
Quotes like, "I really hate answering my husband's question about how I am every day," served as a clear call for a human-centered design. HeLoHe was envisioned as more than an app; it became a beacon of hope for patients to articulate their needs and for partners to comprehend their silent struggles.
The Power of Education:
Understanding the critical function of educational resources in enhancing partner awareness became a pivotal insight. Patients yearned for a shared vocabulary that articles couldn't provide, inspiring HeLoHe's commitment to comprehensive and easily accessible educational content.
All in All:
HeLoHe is more than a project; it's a testament to the strength of those facing the invisible battles of Fibromyalgia. As we move forward, we carry the voices and stories of patients, partners, and advocates, shaping HeLoHe into a beacon of understanding, compassion, and hope for a brighter, more connected future.