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10 | InTouch AUTUMN 2026 LIVINGWITH AN INVISIBLE DISABILITY AND TURNING CHALLENGE INTO STRENGTH Being diagnosed with DM1 has been one of the hardest and most challenging experiences member Lauren Turnbull has had to navigate. Even now, she is still learning how to live with it in ways that words can barely capture. She bravely shares her story with In Touch . FEATURE "Despite the challenges, DM1 has shaped me in ways I am proud of. Since the age of five, it has taught me resilience." DM1, or Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1, is a genetic neuromuscular condition that affects the muscles’ ability to function properly. One of the most frustrating parts of living with DM1 is that it is invisible. From the outside, I look like any other person. Because of that, people sometimes assume I am exaggerating, looking for attention, or being overly dramatic. In reality, I am simply trying to manage a body that doesn’t always cooperate with my brain. Living with DM1 means low muscle tone and severe fatigue. There are mornings when I wake up after ten or even twelve hours of sleep and still feel completely exhausted. Tasks that may seem simple to others like concentrating for long periods, keeping up physically, or just getting through a full school day can take an enormous amount of energy. It can feel as though my body is heavier than it should be, and I often have to consciously think about movements and tasks that come automatically to others. Despite the challenges, DM1 has shaped me in ways I am proud of. Since the age of five, it has taught me resilience. It has strengthened my patience, both with myself and with others. Most importantly, it has helped me recognise that many people are fighting invisible battles, and that kindness and understanding matter more than we often realise. For a long time, I struggled to talk about my diagnosis. I was afraid of being labelled “the disabled girl” or allowing my condition to define who I am. But over time, I realised that staying silent only allowed misunderstanding to Rewriting my story with DM1 Lauren Turnbull.