Differently Normal NZ

29/01/2026

Another little change I've made to the website is that I now have a category under 'browse by symptom' for all the condition explanation cards - so if someone has lots of diagnoses, they can browse through them all in one place. This photo is just a few of the many conditions we cover

22/01/2026

Thanks, Hannah for explaining what you do and why. We're proud to be your Kiwi stockists! 😊

08/01/2026

I wear this badge regularly (not that I'm able to go out much). It helps me with being upfront and unashamed.

So often people assume that disability doesn't exist if it can't be seen. And even when there is an element that can be seen - people will still often dismiss the parts that aren't obvious. For example, as a wheelchair user, I've had people say to me "Oh, at least it doesn't affect your brain!"...er... the brain fog, inability to process, inability to think or read, having to carefully schedule times to reply to emails to maximise my ability to function as needed. They *really* struggled to grasp it - that I could look happy and still have my brain affected by my condition (don't get me started on the looking happy = can't be disabled really!)

Anyways, your reminder that disability that isn't obvious is still just as real and just as disabling!

19/12/2025

Christmas is an odd time when you have a disability. We've had to make new downsized traditions. Before Long Covid, I'd make it a big event: music, baking, Santa hats; I even wrote poems....it was very jolly!
My family know how much I love this time of year. They sent me this meme, which is accurate!
Being the Kiwi stockist for Stickman Communications has been a new adventure for me, I love how the resources help people advocate for themselves in a lightly humorous manner.
I wish you all a good and joyful Christmas, no matter how different it is to what you would like it to be.
Roll on, 2026, 🎄🎁🥰❤️🫖

17/12/2025

13/12/2025

Living with chronic conditions can mean that symptoms that seem extreme for others are our 'normal'. Self care in these instances isn't frivolous, it is sometimes the only medicine we can take.
Rest well, Stickman Communications by Hannah Ensor and take good care of yourself ❤️

It's been an exceptionally busy week - and sure enough it's caught up with me! Limbs are heavy. Swallowing is hard. Can't concentrate. But this is all within my normal and I know the path through it, so I've taken myself to bed and am nesting all day today. Might progress to Poirot later, but currently on Terry Pratchett audiobook and watching clouds.

03/12/2025

This can be a difficult season to get through.🎄 Pacing and time-outs can be crucial, and remembering what is most important

30/11/2025

One of my most essential things for the Christmas period is giving myself breaks.

Making sure I regularly step back, take stock of my symptom levels so that I can manage them, and recharge. Otherwise symptoms (especially , , and ) slowly increase without me noticing until they are really severe and might take days to recover from.
These little time-outs give me space to breathe, regroup and plan what strategies I might need to use - just like in a basketball game. Strategies like wearing ear plugs, lying down for an activity, not going out 2 days in a row, changing position, using gift bags instead of wrapping everything, pre-prep foods, more wheelchair use, naps, etc. If I take these breaks, I have a far more enjoyable time, and crash out far less.

So here's to lots of breaks for everyone who needs them over the Christmas period!

06/11/2025

NZ research! Just published. A study examining Kiwi experience of accessing primary care. It painted a pretty bleak picture. 18 Kiwis were interviewed. (While a small group, the in-depth interviews revealed a lot of useful info). The main themes identified by the group:
*Gaslighting and validation (lack of understanding or recognition by health professionals)
*Lack of support and unmet need (not providing management, referrals etc)
*Inequity of available care (LC knowledge is inconsistent between clinicians)
*Lack of upskilling of health care staff (GPs are busy, stressed, there are no mandatory training requirements)l
*Let down by the Government (lack of NZ government action - policies, funding)
*Self advocacy and its cost (Patients have to lead their healthcare providers)
*Throwing money at it (long haulers seek out alternative options which are not always research based, and might be risky and costly.
These findings were similar to international studies. It's clear: Covid isn't going away and we all need to do better by patients.
They made a number of recommendations. Fingers crossed that these recommendations will be examined by the Government.
RNZ interview: Researchers say healthcare system failing long Covid patients: https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/577991/researchers-say-healthcare-system-failing-long-covid-patients
Experiences of accessing primary care by those living with long Covid in New Zealand: A qualitative analysis Rhodes & Douglas (Nov, 2025) https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0324489

Background Long Covid is the persistence of symptoms beyond 12 weeks following acute Covid-19 infection. It is estimated to affect one in ten people and can be extremely debilitating. With few publicly funded long Covid clinics, most people rely on primary care providers as a first point of contact....

05/11/2025

🧡 How to Self-Refer to CCI Support

If you're living with ME/CFS, Fibromyalgia, Long COVID, or related conditions, CCI Support is here to help. Whether you're in the Bay of Plenty, Waikato, Wellington, or elsewhere in New Zealand, you can access our services.

✅ Steps to Self-Refer:

Complete the Self-Referral Form
Fill out our online form to initiate support.
👉 Self-Referral Form

www.ccisupport.org.nz/for-me/

Wait for Contact
After submitting the form, one of our Health and Wellness Facilitators will reach out to discuss your needs and how we can assist you.

Explore Our Services
We offer a range of support, including:
* One-on-one guidance
* The Towards Wellness Programme
* Support for you and your whānau

📞 Need Assistance?
Phone: (07) 281 1481 or 0800 224 787
Text: 022 658 0251
Email: info@ccisupport.org.nz

Our team is here to support you on your journey towards wellness. Don't hesitate to reach out.

05/11/2025

The World Health Network (WHN) is gathering stories to raise awareness about Long COVID. We want to hear from those with lived experience — patients, caregivers, clinicians, and advocates — so we can share your stories and help others understand the impact of Long COVID.

If your testimonial is shared publicly (in full or in part), it will include your first name (or initials) and your location (if you choose to share it).

💬 Share your story here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1wedgYAwzTFKXRxTFdHeTDhKpS24nbQGgWXnzMQjd8Xk/viewform?edit_requested=true

31/10/2025

So often neurodivergent people are told their asking for more info is rude, confrontational, demanding etc. In actual fact we often need more information so we know what to expect, and can best manage join in and manage our needs. It's not a power move, it's a straightforward, literal request with no hidden agenda.