RTI: The big idea
RTI was masterminded by Katie in late 2012 after years of dealing with chronic illness both in her own life and in discussion with others. Katie noticed that in many chronic conditions, even those as medically different as Lupus and Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome, the ‘invisible’ aspects of the conditions can be very similar. After hanging out and chatting with friends who have chronic conditions, Katie noticed that among the conditions of
Lupus, Fibromyalgia,
Vaso Vagal Syncope, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome / ME
Lyme disease, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder,
there are parallel ‘invisible’ aspects of the conditions that are commonly experienced, most notably
chronic pain,
chronic fatigue,
and cognitive dysfunction (aka ‘brain fog’)
OR the three Cs
Expanding this idea further, Katie spoke to people with
severe IBS, depression and anxiety
and noticed further ‘invisible’ aspects that the majority of sufferers shared, despite the medical differences of their conditions. Sufferers experienced:
· Isolation, due to the limitations and obstacles caused by their condition.
· Misunderstanding from people around them regarding their condition.
· Confusion trying to understand the ‘invisible’ symptoms they were experiencing and trying to work out how to best deal with
them.
· Frustration, as a result of not being able to do what they used to be able to do.
· Anxiety from not being able to understand, predict or fully explain their condition.
Lupus, Fibromyalgia,
Vaso Vagal Syncope, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome / ME
Lyme disease, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder,
there are parallel ‘invisible’ aspects of the conditions that are commonly experienced, most notably
chronic pain,
chronic fatigue,
and cognitive dysfunction (aka ‘brain fog’)
OR the three Cs
Expanding this idea further, Katie spoke to people with
severe IBS, depression and anxiety
and noticed further ‘invisible’ aspects that the majority of sufferers shared, despite the medical differences of their conditions. Sufferers experienced:
· Isolation, due to the limitations and obstacles caused by their condition.
· Misunderstanding from people around them regarding their condition.
· Confusion trying to understand the ‘invisible’ symptoms they were experiencing and trying to work out how to best deal with
them.
· Frustration, as a result of not being able to do what they used to be able to do.
· Anxiety from not being able to understand, predict or fully explain their condition.
Katie’s view is that, though medical treatment for individual cases is necessary, a large percentage of people with diverse medical conditions can benefit from sharing, developing and learning about a small number of ‘invisible’ aspects that many sufferers share. It is about helping the largest number of people in the most straight forward way. We cannot educate everyone on the planet about the ins and outs of every single medical condition; but if we can teach people about the basic points that the majority of chronic illness sufferers share (notably chronic pain, chronic fatigue and ‘brain fog,’ as well as isolation, confusion, frustration and anxiety) then the understanding that sufferers receive will increase. And such understanding can reduce stress, improve support systems and so ultimately help chronic sufferers to continue their lives as productively and happily as possible.
This is what RTI is all about, focusing on accessible art and theatre practices to educate and inspire both sufferers and the general public. Art and theatre, being visual, tactile, physical and multi-sensory, offer chances for a wide scope of people to become involved in RTI’s projects and events, making the opportunity to connect to the ideas presented accessible to people with all manner of physical and mental challenges.
For any further information on RTI, please do email [email protected]
This is what RTI is all about, focusing on accessible art and theatre practices to educate and inspire both sufferers and the general public. Art and theatre, being visual, tactile, physical and multi-sensory, offer chances for a wide scope of people to become involved in RTI’s projects and events, making the opportunity to connect to the ideas presented accessible to people with all manner of physical and mental challenges.
For any further information on RTI, please do email [email protected]
Revealing the Invisible is a not-for-profit organisation that aims to use art to explore the ‘invisible’ aspects of chronic illness, including chronic fatigue, chronic pain, depression and isolation. RTI events allow opportunities to those with chronic conditions to find ways of expressing themselves, increase understanding among ‘healthy’ people with accessible art and inspire discussion of chronic illness in public. All RTI events thus far have been fully funded by vInspired, registered charity no. 1113255.
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