Invisible disabilities on the subway

<!-- SC_OFF --><div class="md"><p>I don't look disabled. I look like I'm in my early 20s, I don't use mobility aids, there's nothing obvious about me that would make someone give up their seat. The thing is, I'm afraid to ask. </p> <p>Part of me worries I'm not disabled enough to ask. Some days I start off feeling fine, but I know by the end of the day, if I'm not taking every opportunity to sit down, I know I'll really be hurting. I have it better than most people with my condition and I do ok, but I hurt and ache often, especially now I have a job I need to commute to with heavy supplies. </p> <p>I carry an invisible disability lanyard with me most of the time unfortunately, few people actually know what it means. I've </p> <p>considered getting a cane, but tbh I have not idea if it would help me at all and would be more cumbersome than anything, would just make it more obvious I have mobility problems. </p> <p>I know a lot of this is just me needing to get past my on anxiety, but how would you handle this situation, and does anyone have any ideas how we could raise awareness so people recognize the lanyard?</p> </div><!-- SC_ON --> submitted by <a href="https://www.reddit.com/user/writingtoescape"> /u/writingtoescape </a> <br/> <span><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskNYC/comments/1sz6zzv/invisible_disabilities_on_the_subway/">[link]</a></span> <span><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskNYC/comments/1sz6zzv/invisible_disabilities_on_the_subway/">[comments]</a></span>