I have de Quervain tenosynovitis right now, an issue from over-using tendons near the thumb. If I wear my splint, it can heal, though ever so slowly. It’s also noticeable, can be embarrassing, and is inconvenient. But it’s getting better.

When I don’t wear the splint, no one can tell I have it. It’s getting worse, but just under the surface. Invisibly.

We don’t need to try to draw everyone’s attention to our issues, but hiding them in a way that prevents us from healing is not the correct approach.

Do the right thing, irrespective of temporary inconvenience or external visibility.