What I Wish I Knew When I Was Diagnosed with Hashimoto’s

Reflections from a mom navigating chronic illness

When I was first diagnosed with Hashimoto’s, I thought I had a pretty good idea of what to expect.

I’ve worked in healthcare for years, and I’m accustomed to discussing complex medical conditions and guiding others through them. But when it was me sitting in the patient chair, everything felt different.

I assumed I’d start medication, give it some time, and feel better. But healing with Hashimoto’s is rarely that simple, especially when you're also navigating motherhood, work, and everyday life.

If you’re newly diagnosed, feeling overwhelmed, or just wondering if what you’re experiencing is “normal,” this post is for you. These are a few things I wish someone had told me early on.

1. Medication helps — but it’s not the whole story.

Thyroid hormone replacement can be incredibly helpful, but it’s often just one part of the healing puzzle. For me, progress came when I started paying attention to stress, sleep, nutrition, and boundaries — things that don’t come in a pill bottle.

2. Fatigue isn’t laziness.

There were days I felt bone-tired and frustrated with myself for not being able to push through. But I’ve learned that needing rest doesn’t mean I’m weak — it means I’m listening to my body. That shift in mindset has been one of the most important parts of my healing.

3. Flare-ups aren’t always obvious.

Sometimes it’s not a dramatic crash — it’s subtle. Brain fog. Anxiety. Skin changes. Feeling extra sensitive or off. I used to dismiss these things or try to push through, but now I pause and check in. My body is always communicating — I just needed to learn the language.

4. Stress matters more than I realized.

I underestimated the impact that stress could have on my thyroid and immune system. Learning to slow down isn’t easy for me, but I’m beginning to see that it’s not just helpful, it’s necessary for healing

5. You’re not alone.

Hashimoto’s can feel isolating, especially when you “look fine” but don’t feel fine. It’s easy to feel like you’re the only one struggling. But you’re not. Many of us are walking this path — learning to live gently, honor our energy, and hold space for both the challenging days and the hopeful ones.

Why I Started @dailyhashimoments

This Instagram account is a space for slow, supportive living with Hashimoto’s.
It’s where I share the daily wins, the hard moments, and the small shifts that are helping me build a softer, steadier life.

You’ll find:

• Thoughtful printables to support your routines

• Encouragement for the emotional side of healing

• Real-life stories from a mama learning to live well with Hashimoto’s

If you're here, I hope you feel seen.

Want to stay in touch?

Join my email list for gentle resources and updates.
Or follow along on Instagram @dailyhashimoments for more daily reflections.

What do you wish you knew when you were diagnosed?
Share it in the comments — your story might help someone else feel less alone.