Stickman Communications
@stickmancomms.bsky.social
Stickmen helping to build understanding and acceptance of hidden disabilities and chronic illness, in a way that empowers us. (Run by Hannah Ensor - who has #hypermobility #PoTS and probably other stuff.) +talking about personal experience of #disability
3/3 sleep the last few nights? What is the temperature today? It can take detective work and trial and error to work out what the issue is.
If you find it hard to identify what's up when you feel 'off' - you aren't alone. There's thousands of us all trying to work it out too.
If you find it hard to identify what's up when you feel 'off' - you aren't alone. There's thousands of us all trying to work it out too.
Checklist card | Stickman Comms
This checklist card helps people identify why they might be feeling ‘off’ - ideal for people with poor interoception, or brain fog, which can make it harder to identify internal signals like hunger,…
www.stickmancommunications.co.uk
January 16, 2026 at 6:30 PM
3/3 sleep the last few nights? What is the temperature today? It can take detective work and trial and error to work out what the issue is.
If you find it hard to identify what's up when you feel 'off' - you aren't alone. There's thousands of us all trying to work it out too.
If you find it hard to identify what's up when you feel 'off' - you aren't alone. There's thousands of us all trying to work it out too.
2/3 Often I might just feel 'wrong' but not know why. Then I find having a checklist handy.
Sometimes the questions I ask prompted by the checklist aren't 'Do I feel hungry/tired/cold?' etc but rather 'might I *Be* hungry/tired/cold.' - When did I last eat/drink and how much? Did I miss any -
Sometimes the questions I ask prompted by the checklist aren't 'Do I feel hungry/tired/cold?' etc but rather 'might I *Be* hungry/tired/cold.' - When did I last eat/drink and how much? Did I miss any -
January 16, 2026 at 6:30 PM
2/3 Often I might just feel 'wrong' but not know why. Then I find having a checklist handy.
Sometimes the questions I ask prompted by the checklist aren't 'Do I feel hungry/tired/cold?' etc but rather 'might I *Be* hungry/tired/cold.' - When did I last eat/drink and how much? Did I miss any -
Sometimes the questions I ask prompted by the checklist aren't 'Do I feel hungry/tired/cold?' etc but rather 'might I *Be* hungry/tired/cold.' - When did I last eat/drink and how much? Did I miss any -
1/3 Many neurodivergent people don't get clear signals from their body about what it needs. If I've been concentrating, or even just enjoying someone's company I may simply not notice that I need to loo until it physically hurts. Or I might not notice I'm hungry until I feel dizzy or nauseous .
January 16, 2026 at 6:30 PM
1/3 Many neurodivergent people don't get clear signals from their body about what it needs. If I've been concentrating, or even just enjoying someone's company I may simply not notice that I need to loo until it physically hurts. Or I might not notice I'm hungry until I feel dizzy or nauseous .
(Yes, soggy knees are, in my opinion, by far the best option given the available choices)
January 15, 2026 at 5:09 PM
(Yes, soggy knees are, in my opinion, by far the best option given the available choices)
Important wheelchair use note: Logic says 'When it's raining, lean forward so your knees don't get soggy'. Experience says: Do NOT lean forward! Seriously! When you lean forward your coat channels all that rain down your back and onto your seat - so you then have to sit in a puddle and wet pants!
January 15, 2026 at 5:09 PM
Important wheelchair use note: Logic says 'When it's raining, lean forward so your knees don't get soggy'. Experience says: Do NOT lean forward! Seriously! When you lean forward your coat channels all that rain down your back and onto your seat - so you then have to sit in a puddle and wet pants!
if anyone asks you not to go near them when you are ill, please take it seriously. It could be the difference between life and death.
www.stickmancommunications.co.uk/product-page...
www.stickmancommunications.co.uk/product-page...
Poor Immune System card | Stickman Comms
This poor immune system card says "Please don’t come near me if you are unwell.Even if it’s ‘just a cold’. My body struggles to fight infections. Illnesses that are mild for others can be very severe…
www.stickmancommunications.co.uk
January 14, 2026 at 11:22 AM
if anyone asks you not to go near them when you are ill, please take it seriously. It could be the difference between life and death.
www.stickmancommunications.co.uk/product-page...
www.stickmancommunications.co.uk/product-page...
There's a lot of 'flu, coughs, colds, and COVID going round. People who are immunocompromised or have health conditions that will be worsened by infection,need to be really careful about avoiding it.
So -
So -
January 14, 2026 at 11:22 AM
There's a lot of 'flu, coughs, colds, and COVID going round. People who are immunocompromised or have health conditions that will be worsened by infection,need to be really careful about avoiding it.
So -
So -
Good news! We've ordered a new batch of keyring cards!
It usually takes just over a week for them to arrive - so hopefully by the end of next week (possibly the Monday after) our cards will be fully stocked again - including a few that we have updated considerably.
It usually takes just over a week for them to arrive - so hopefully by the end of next week (possibly the Monday after) our cards will be fully stocked again - including a few that we have updated considerably.
January 14, 2026 at 11:14 AM
Good news! We've ordered a new batch of keyring cards!
It usually takes just over a week for them to arrive - so hopefully by the end of next week (possibly the Monday after) our cards will be fully stocked again - including a few that we have updated considerably.
It usually takes just over a week for them to arrive - so hopefully by the end of next week (possibly the Monday after) our cards will be fully stocked again - including a few that we have updated considerably.
- unreasonable etc - we are often making a well informed choice that the health care practitioner needs to understand in order to support and help us - there are factors in our every day life that the HCP won't know about unless they ask and listen.
www.stickmancommunications.co.uk/product-page...
www.stickmancommunications.co.uk/product-page...
No for a reason card | Stickman Comms
This ‘No for a reason’ card says:"When I say no, it’s because I’ve considered the options and consequences.Please respect my decision. If you don’t understand it, there may be factors you aren’t…
www.stickmancommunications.co.uk
January 13, 2026 at 5:09 PM
- unreasonable etc - we are often making a well informed choice that the health care practitioner needs to understand in order to support and help us - there are factors in our every day life that the HCP won't know about unless they ask and listen.
www.stickmancommunications.co.uk/product-page...
www.stickmancommunications.co.uk/product-page...
Working on a presentation on communicating about hidden disabilities for some of the staff at Guys and St Thomas's hospital trust on Thursday. One of the key points I'll be making is the importance of understanding that when a patient says no to something, we aren't being resistant, non-compliant -
January 13, 2026 at 5:09 PM
Working on a presentation on communicating about hidden disabilities for some of the staff at Guys and St Thomas's hospital trust on Thursday. One of the key points I'll be making is the importance of understanding that when a patient says no to something, we aren't being resistant, non-compliant -
Wondering why my card number for an online purchase seemed unfamiliar: I was holding my card upside down. #BrainFog
Muppet.
Change of plan: No important decisions or designing. Might do cross stitch, or Christmas decs removal, or watch Shrek 2. Cuppa first though.
#Pacing is the top priority.
Muppet.
Change of plan: No important decisions or designing. Might do cross stitch, or Christmas decs removal, or watch Shrek 2. Cuppa first though.
#Pacing is the top priority.
January 12, 2026 at 2:53 PM
Thanks for everyone's feedback - we've taken it all on board, and also taken into account other cards available (sensory overload card, time-out card etc). What do you think of this latest draft? Is it better? More changes needed still?
#Disability #Fatigue #Overwhelm #Autism #SocialBattery
#Disability #Fatigue #Overwhelm #Autism #SocialBattery
January 10, 2026 at 11:22 AM
Thanks for everyone's feedback - we've taken it all on board, and also taken into account other cards available (sensory overload card, time-out card etc). What do you think of this latest draft? Is it better? More changes needed still?
#Disability #Fatigue #Overwhelm #Autism #SocialBattery
#Disability #Fatigue #Overwhelm #Autism #SocialBattery
I've added a 'condition explanation cards' category in the 'browse by symptom' part of our site, so if someone has lots of diagnoses, they can browse through them all in one place. This photo is just a few of the many conditions we cover.
From www.stickmancommunications.co.uk/condition-ex...
From www.stickmancommunications.co.uk/condition-ex...
January 9, 2026 at 6:38 PM
I've added a 'condition explanation cards' category in the 'browse by symptom' part of our site, so if someone has lots of diagnoses, they can browse through them all in one place. This photo is just a few of the many conditions we cover.
From www.stickmancommunications.co.uk/condition-ex...
From www.stickmancommunications.co.uk/condition-ex...
Oh no! I have the setting for ‘tell me if I try posting without alt’ but it seems to have missed it :( I’m too brain fogged to work out if I can sort it now. Sorry.
January 8, 2026 at 7:25 PM
Oh no! I have the setting for ‘tell me if I try posting without alt’ but it seems to have missed it :( I’m too brain fogged to work out if I can sort it now. Sorry.
2/2 ... the brain fog, inability to process, inability to think or read, having to carefully schedule times to reply to emails to maximise my ability to function as needed. They *really* struggled to grasp it!
(badge from www.stickmancommunications.co.uk/product-page...
(badge from www.stickmancommunications.co.uk/product-page...
Disability not obvious badge | Stickman Comms
A 57mm stickman badge reading “My disability is not obvious”, with a safety pin fastening, which is more secure than a standard badge pin. A great way to let those around you know that you have a…
www.stickmancommunications.co.uk
January 8, 2026 at 6:23 PM
2/2 ... the brain fog, inability to process, inability to think or read, having to carefully schedule times to reply to emails to maximise my ability to function as needed. They *really* struggled to grasp it!
(badge from www.stickmancommunications.co.uk/product-page...
(badge from www.stickmancommunications.co.uk/product-page...
1/2 Often people assume that disability doesn't exist if it can't be seen. And even when part can be seen - people will still often dismiss the parts that aren't obvious. For example, as a wheelchair user, I've had people say to me "Oh, at least it doesn't affect your brain!"...er
January 8, 2026 at 6:23 PM
1/2 Often people assume that disability doesn't exist if it can't be seen. And even when part can be seen - people will still often dismiss the parts that aren't obvious. For example, as a wheelchair user, I've had people say to me "Oh, at least it doesn't affect your brain!"...er
These traffic-lights communication flashcards give a really quick and easy way to flag up symptom levels and changing support needs without the need for speech.
They are from our website - www.stickmancommunications.co.uk/product-page...
They are from our website - www.stickmancommunications.co.uk/product-page...
Traffic lights cards pack | Stickman Comms
A pack of three traffic lights cards. The red card says “I Can’t Cope”, the amber card says “I’m struggling” and the green card says “I’m okay with this.” - each with a relevant stickman…
www.stickmancommunications.co.uk
January 7, 2026 at 11:22 AM
These traffic-lights communication flashcards give a really quick and easy way to flag up symptom levels and changing support needs without the need for speech.
They are from our website - www.stickmancommunications.co.uk/product-page...
They are from our website - www.stickmancommunications.co.uk/product-page...
Various health conditions and disabilities can mean that we simultaneously struggle to find the right words or speak at all - AND - really need people to understand the current level of fluctuating symptoms or capacity. We see this a lot in a wide range of conditions from autism to long covid. -
January 7, 2026 at 11:22 AM
Various health conditions and disabilities can mean that we simultaneously struggle to find the right words or speak at all - AND - really need people to understand the current level of fluctuating symptoms or capacity. We see this a lot in a wide range of conditions from autism to long covid. -
Note: the #BrainFog flashcard is available from here: www.stickmancommunications.co.uk/product-page...
Brain fog card | Stickman Comms
A brain fog card, with a plain border and a zombie stickman with cotton wool thought bubble. "Warning: Severe brain fog. currently in 'Zombie-with-head-full-of-cotton-wool' mode. I may struggle to…
www.stickmancommunications.co.uk
January 6, 2026 at 6:36 PM
Note: the #BrainFog flashcard is available from here: www.stickmancommunications.co.uk/product-page...
But for you, what you did was exhausting, so it's not surprising today is rough!"
So yep. It catches us all out sometimes. And replies that point out the truth while being totally accepting, non judgmental, and with a touch of joy and humour really do help!
#Disability #Pacing #Fatigue #BrainFog
So yep. It catches us all out sometimes. And replies that point out the truth while being totally accepting, non judgmental, and with a touch of joy and humour really do help!
#Disability #Pacing #Fatigue #BrainFog
January 6, 2026 at 6:36 PM
But for you, what you did was exhausting, so it's not surprising today is rough!"
So yep. It catches us all out sometimes. And replies that point out the truth while being totally accepting, non judgmental, and with a touch of joy and humour really do help!
#Disability #Pacing #Fatigue #BrainFog
So yep. It catches us all out sometimes. And replies that point out the truth while being totally accepting, non judgmental, and with a touch of joy and humour really do help!
#Disability #Pacing #Fatigue #BrainFog
Today I was chilling with a young disabled woman who I mentor - and commented "I don't know why I'm so exhausted today! I only did x yesterday!"
To which she laughed delightedly "You are doing what I do! Now I get to say it to you!....
To which she laughed delightedly "You are doing what I do! Now I get to say it to you!....
January 6, 2026 at 6:36 PM
Today I was chilling with a young disabled woman who I mentor - and commented "I don't know why I'm so exhausted today! I only did x yesterday!"
To which she laughed delightedly "You are doing what I do! Now I get to say it to you!....
To which she laughed delightedly "You are doing what I do! Now I get to say it to you!....
Oh I hear you! The last time I got unsliced bread, I got fooled by ‘yay! Feeling alive!’ proprioceprion hadn’t loaded, and yes, it ended exactly as expected!
January 6, 2026 at 1:46 PM
Oh I hear you! The last time I got unsliced bread, I got fooled by ‘yay! Feeling alive!’ proprioceprion hadn’t loaded, and yes, it ended exactly as expected!
and I think tired out some muscles a bit too much - so got a bit of extra hip instability niggling at me today. And the related pain is, quite frankly, interfering with my day! Definitely a day where this card comes in handy.
It's from www.stickmancommunications.co.uk/product-page...
It's from www.stickmancommunications.co.uk/product-page...
January 5, 2026 at 5:09 PM
and I think tired out some muscles a bit too much - so got a bit of extra hip instability niggling at me today. And the related pain is, quite frankly, interfering with my day! Definitely a day where this card comes in handy.
It's from www.stickmancommunications.co.uk/product-page...
It's from www.stickmancommunications.co.uk/product-page...
I think I overdid my physio yesterday! It's so easily done when I'm doing well, because my hypermobile body loves to exercise, and loves that feeling of 'yep, muscles used constructively today!' - and if I get the balance right, I get stronger quite quickly. However, I pushed a bit hard yesterday -
January 5, 2026 at 5:09 PM
I think I overdid my physio yesterday! It's so easily done when I'm doing well, because my hypermobile body loves to exercise, and loves that feeling of 'yep, muscles used constructively today!' - and if I get the balance right, I get stronger quite quickly. However, I pushed a bit hard yesterday -
Yesterday early evening I went to the bathroom and forgot I was supposed to be showering - and brushed my teeth instead. I remembered - rested, then showered....and afterwards was so flollopy I was actually grateful to #Brain-fog me for mistakenly brushing my teeth early 😄
January 4, 2026 at 5:33 PM
Yesterday early evening I went to the bathroom and forgot I was supposed to be showering - and brushed my teeth instead. I remembered - rested, then showered....and afterwards was so flollopy I was actually grateful to #Brain-fog me for mistakenly brushing my teeth early 😄