I (21F) have been diagnosed since I was a child. It affects my energy, cognitive function, and overall physical health in ways that people can't see, but it's something that I struggle with daily. It's been really hard for me to manage, and I've had to drop out of school a couple of times, and I have been not able to work because of how it impacts my ability to function. It isn't something people can easily understand, and it's hard to explain in a way that makes sense to others who haven't experienced something similar.

Recently, I applied for the Wajong benefit, which is supposed to help young people with disabilities or chronic conditions who can't work. I thought it would be a good support for me, considering I'm unable to have a regular job right now. However, when I went through the assessment process, I was told I didn't qualify. Apparently, I'm "not disabled enough" according to the rules. They told me that since I don't have visible symptoms, it's hard for them to prove that I'm incapable of working. They seemed to downplay how much my condition affects my daily life, and it felt like they were brushing me off because it wasn't something they could see on the outside.

I'm honestly devastated. I've tried so hard to manage my life around my condition, but it's incredibly isolating and exhausting. It feels like no one takes it seriously because they can't see it, and the government doesn't seem to recognize that I'm struggling in my own way. I've been in and out of therapy. This rejection has just made everything feel worse. I'm not sure what to do next or how to explain my situation better to them.

Some of my family are telling me that it's just the way the system works, that I should be grateful. But I feel like I'm being dismissed, and that makes me feel invisible, both literally and figuratively. It's hard to explain to someone that just because my struggles aren't visible doesn't mean they aren't real.

Am I the AH for feeling so frustrated and upset about this? I feel like I'm being treated unfairly because my condition isn't something that can be seen on the outside.