Welcome back to our mini-series where we sit down with inspiring women who are redefining strength on their own terms. In this Q&A we’re joined by Daneshia Drakeford, actress, author, and advocate who is opening up about life beyond the spotlight. Living with multiple sclerosis, Daneshia shares the reality of navigating an invisible illness with grace, resilience, and honesty. Her story is a powerful reminder that strength isn’t always loud, it often lives in the quiet moments we don’t see. Get ready for a conversation that is as real as it is inspiring.
Meet Daneshia Drakeford
Daneshia Drakeford has spent years captivating audiences on screen, but her most powerful performance has been living her truth—apologetically. In her inspiring memoir, Silent Battles (published by Jacinth Media Productions, available on Amazon Books, Barnes & Noble, and Walmart), Drakeford courageously opens up about her journey through life’s hardest challenges, including a multiple sclerosis diagnosis, a painful divorce, the demands of care-giving, and the miraculous birth of her child against all medical odds.
After years of carrying these struggles in silence, Drake- ford chose to reclaim her story. “I reached a point where I was no longer ashamed of my diagnosis or my journey,” she shares. “This book is my way of standing in my truth and saying, ‘This is me.’” Through Silent Battles, Drakeford delivers a heartfelt
message of faith, perseverance, and hope. She reminds readers that strength often lives in the unseen moments and that even in silence, there is power. Her story shines a light on resilience—defying the odds to embrace motherhood, overcoming heartbreak, and rebuilding her career with grace and courage.
As she continues to evolve as an actress, author, and motivational voice, Daneshia Drakeford stands as a living testament to triumph over adversity. Her journey proves that the battles we fight in silence can become the stories that empower others to survive—and thrive.
What does a “typical” day look like for you when managing an invisible illness, and how does it differ from what others might assume?
A “typical” day for me is unpredictable. Some mornings I wake up feeling somewhat okay, and within hours, fatigue, pain or brain fog can take over.
People may assume I can plan my day like anyone else, but the truth is, my body decides for me. What looks like a normal day on the outside often requires deep internal strength just to get through the basics.
How has living with an invisible illness changed your relationship with your body—both emotionally and physically?
It’s been a journey of learning to listen instead of fight. Physically, my body doesn’t always cooperate the way it used to. Emotionally, I had to move from frustration to compassion. I’ve learned that my body isn’t betraying me—it’s communicating with me, even when it’s hard to hear.
Can you describe the emotional toll of not “looking sick” while still experiencing very real symptoms?
It’s isolating. There’s a silent battle in constantly having to prove that what you’re feeling is real. When you don’t “look sick,” people can unintentionally minimize your experience, and that can make you question yourself. It’s exhausting—not just physically, but emotionally.
What are some of the most frustrating misconceptions people have about invisible illnesses?
That if you’re smiling, you must be fine. That if you canceled plans, you’re being unreliable. And one of the biggest ones—that you can “push through it” if you really try. Invisible illness doesn’t work like that. Strength doesn’t always look like pushing—it often looks like pausing.
How do you advocate for yourself in medical settings when your symptoms aren’t immediately visible or easily measurable?
I’ve learned to speak up, even when it’s uncomfortable. I document my symptoms, I ask questions, and I don’t downplay my pain anymore. I remind myself that I deserve to be heard, even if I have to repeat myself more than once.
In what ways has your illness impacted your mental health, and how do you navigate that alongside physical symptoms?
There are moments of anxiety, frustration, and even grief for the version of me that didn’t have to think twice about energy or pain. I navigate it by giving myself grace, leaning on my support system, and reminding myself that I’m more than my illness—even on the hard days.
How do you balance pushing through pain or fatigue with honoring your body’s need for rest?
I’ve had to redefine strength. Strength used to mean pushing through no matter what. Now, it means knowing when to stop. I listen to my body more closely and remind myself that rest is not weakness—it’s survival.
What has been the hardest part about maintaining relationships—whether personal or professional—while living with an invisible illness?
The hardest part is feeling misunderstood. Sometimes people take it personally when I have to cancel or pull back, not realizing it’s not about them—it’s about what my body can handle. It takes patience on both sides, and not everyone is willing to understand.
Can you share a moment when you felt unseen or dismissed because your illness isn’t visible? How did that affect you?
There have been moments where I’ve expressed how I feel, only to be met with “but you look fine.” That one sentence can be so dismissive. It made me feel invisible, like my pain didn’t count. Over time, I’ve learned not to internalize that—but it still stings.
What do you wish more people understood about the daily realities of living with an invisible illness?
That it’s constant. Even on the “good” days, it’s there. There’s no clocking out from it. Just because you don’t see the struggle doesn’t mean it isn’t happening or real.
Can you elaborate on what getting diagnosed looked like?
Getting diagnosed wasn’t quick or easy—it was a journey filled with questions, appointments, and uncertainty. There were moments of doubt and frustration, but also moments of clarity. When I finally had answers, it was both overwhelming and validating. It gave a name to what I had been silently fighting.
Are there signs and symptoms others should be aware of?
Yes—things like extreme fatigue, unexplained pain, brain fog, dizziness, and changes in mobility or sensation. These symptoms can come and go, and they don’t always “look” serious from the outside, but they are very real and can be life-altering!!!
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