By Annette Jackson

I was 27 years old when my health began to disappear.

One afternoon, I was spending time with friends at a small park near the Clinton River in Michigan. It seemed like an ordinary day. None of us could have imagined that a single tick bite would change the course of my life forever.

Before Lyme disease, I had dreams, goals, and a future I was excited to build. I was active, independent, and looking forward to the next chapter of my life.

However, within a short time, my health began to decline. The symptoms became so severe that my normal life was no longer recognizable.

At first, I didn’t understand what was happening. My body no longer felt like my own. I experienced overwhelming fatigue, dizziness, vertigo, heart palpitations, anxiety, panic attacks, brain fog, and neurological symptoms that seemed to grow worse over time. Every day brought a new challenge.

It took years before I finally received a diagnosis of Lyme disease and other tick-borne infections. Because Lyme disease can mimic so many other illnesses, finding answers became a long and frustrating journey. I visited doctor after doctor hoping someone could explain why I was becoming so sick.

“Normal” tests, invisible symptoms

Instead, I was often told my tests looked normal or that my symptoms were caused by anxiety. It was heartbreaking to know something was terribly wrong while feeling invisible.

Keeping a job became one of my biggest struggles. Brain fog made it difficult to concentrate, solve problems, remember instructions, and stay focused. I missed more work than I ever wanted because my body simply would not cooperate. There were days I questioned whether I would be able to keep my job while fighting an illness that no one could see.

At the same time, I refused to give up on my education. What should have taken only a few years took much longer because of my illness. There were days when reading felt impossible and fatigue made studying exhausting. Some days, simply getting out of bed felt like an accomplishment. Still, I kept going.

After years of perseverance, I proudly earned my Associate Degree, proving to myself that even chronic illness could not stop me from reaching my goals.

Lyme disease also changed my relationships. It became difficult to meet new people and build friendships because I never knew how I would feel from one day to the next. While others were advancing their careers, traveling, and building their lives, I was often just trying to make it through another day. Invisible illnesses can be incredibly lonely because people can’t always see the battle you’re fighting.

There were moments when I wondered if I would ever get my life back.

What Lyme never took away

But through every setback, I discovered something Lyme disease could never take away from me—my faith and my purpose.

Today, more than 11 years later, I am no longer allowing Lyme disease to define my story. I am writing a book, producing a documentary, and pursuing motivational speaking to give hope to people living with invisible illnesses. I have shared my story through television news interviews, radio appearances, and public speaking because I want others to know they are not alone.

My journey has taught me that healing is not only about getting your health back—it is also about discovering your purpose.

Lyme disease stole my health, but it never stole my voice, my faith, or my purpose.

Annette Jackson is a motivational speaker, Lyme disease advocate, author, and documentary filmmaker dedicated to bringing hope to those living with invisible illnesses. On Instagram, she’s @annettejacksonspeaks.