healthcare - The Zebra Collective

A Blue Wave, A New Chapter: Why Compassion, Healthcare, and Human Dignity Matter

2 Comments / healthcare / Catt Armstrong

The author reflects on the significance of the 2026 Georgia election, celebrating Senator Jon Ossoff’s reelection and emphasizing the importance of compassion in politics. They share their personal journey from being a Republican to advocating for healthcare access for the chronically ill, urging the need for policies prioritizing humanity and dignity over division.

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Pastel illustrated collage of a mother and her three young sons, featuring childhood memories and the words “Looking Out the Window.”

Embracing Motherhood Amid Chronic Illness

Leave a Comment / healthcare / Catt Armstrong

The author reflects on feelings of inadequacy as a mother due to physical limitations. Wishing to return to a time when she could be more actively present in her children’s lives, she grapples with grief over the loss of her former self. Ultimately, she hopes her children remember her love, despite the changes.

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Woman investigating medical data privacy with Epic, Cerner, Care Everywhere, and AI healthcare tools, with the message “My medical information is not for sale nor resale.”

The Epic Care Everywhere Rabbit Hole: Who Has Access to Your Medical Records?

5 Comments / healthcare / Catt Armstrong

The author explores concerns about medical privacy and the use of AI in healthcare, prompted by personal experiences with inaccuracies in their medical records. They highlight critical questions regarding data handling, share insights from studies on privacy risks, and urge patients to inquire about how their information is used and protected throughout healthcare systems.

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The Zebra Health Journey

2 Comments / healthcare / Catt Armstrong

The Zebra Health Journey is a comprehensive health journal designed to support individuals living with chronic illnesses. It enables users to track symptoms, medications, and reflections over time to enhance understanding of their health. Community feedback has shaped this project, which will eventually include app versions, making health management more accessible and organized.

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Stylized digital illustration of a woman with chronic illness sitting awake at 4 a.m., wrapped in a blue blanket with her head resting in her hand. Her expression shows exhaustion and emotional pain, representing the invisible burden of chronic pain and suicidal ideation.

What Suicidal Ideation Really Feels Like in Chronic Pain

10 Comments / healthcare / Catt Armstrong

Chronic pain and suicidal ideation are closely linked, yet many patients are afraid to discuss these thoughts for fear of judgment or losing access to their care. Talking about suicidal ideation is not dangerous—staying silent about it can be. My hope is that this essay helps patients, families, and healthcare professionals better understand what severe, relentless pain can do to the human mind.

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Patient advocate standing with the American flag representing healthcare advocacy and civic engagement

Power to the People: Why Healthcare Should Never Be a Partisan Issue

Leave a Comment / healthcare / Catt Armstrong

The author, the daughter of immigrant parents, advocates for a non-partisan approach to healthcare, sharing personal experiences with chronic illnesses and insurance struggles. She emphasizes the importance of patient advocacy and community involvement, reminding us that pain transcends political affiliation and that compassion should unite us in demanding better healthcare for all.

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Sick woman sitting overlooking the summit in agels landing utah, waiting for bad news

Sickness and in Health

5 Comments / healthcare / Catt Armstrong

The author reflects on the profound grief of living with chronic illness, emphasizing that the struggle often extends beyond physical pain to mourning one’s former self. They share poignant memories, the impact on relationships, and the heavy burden of waiting for healing. Amidst the sorrow, there is an invitation for others to acknowledge shared experiences with loss.

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Understanding Compassion Fatigue in Healthcare Workers

Leave a Comment / healthcare / Catt Armstrong

The author reflects on watching Dr. Phil’s episode about a pregnant woman addicted to heroin, which deeply affected them. This experience led to thoughts on compassion fatigue among healthcare workers, who frequently witness trauma. The piece emphasizes the need for mutual understanding and kindness between patients and medical professionals in difficult circumstances.

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Stay Soft

Leave a Comment / healthcare / Catt Armstrong

As the author approaches 40, they reflect on chronic illness, grief, and the importance of staying soft amid life’s challenges. Emphasizing that softness is a strength, they acknowledge the temptation to harden due to disappointments but choose kindness and hope instead. They express gratitude for loved ones and the journey ahead.

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Grief, Love, and Letting Go

Leave a Comment / healthcare / Catt Armstrong

The heartfelt reflection recounts the loss of Nani Marie, a beloved mini schnauzer, who passed away after 14 years due to cancer and old age. The author shares the profound grief and difficult decision to let her go, emphasizing that grief is love with no place to land. The piece invites others to honor their lost pets, celebrating their enduring presence in memories.

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