Creator & Founder
Hi!
I am Nate Black the founder and creator behind the Violet Army.
Creating the Violet Army started out as a way to channel my frustrations and feelings about HS, in a positive way. My story is probably not unique in any way but talking about it and, if I am lucky, having others connect with it, helps to deal with the daily struggle.
So here goes nothing… I have been living with what we now know as HS for almost 15 years, probably longer but it’s all a bit cloudy at the beginning, isn’t it? The journey has been far from easy to get to this point, a journey that I believe many of you have also travelled.
The relentless chain of misdiagnoses, the countless visits to dermatologists, never-ending prescriptions, treatments, and procedures, are all woven together in pursuit of unravelling the enigma of this illness. What a cute way to live, right? Not to mention the constant tight-rope walk that is balancing a job, some type of social life, the terror of intimacy and deteriorating mental health - mix it all together and you have a powder keg surrounded by matches that are doused in gasoline.
In 2016, a breakthrough happened or maybe just a stroke of good luck, I found a specialist, dedicated to understanding even the most obscure afflictions, who provided me with the definitive diagnosis of HS. The weight that was lifted from my shoulders simply by knowing its name cannot be overstated. Suddenly, the suffering, anxiety, and self-doubt found a place within the confines of a word. Albeit a word that I still struggle to spell to this day.
Unfortunately, as so many of you would know, this relief quickly fades. In 2016, HS remained largely misunderstood, with scant resources available to fathom the intricacies of this bodily ordeal. Information on managing its symptoms was scarce; a community of understanding souls seemed non-existent. I vividly remember attempting to convey my experiences to a therapist, only to be met with a sceptical gaze that made me question if I was exaggerating. So, yes it was great to know what was attacking my body from the inside but with no one who “gets it” around, the loneliness quickly returns and the isolation sets back in - and baby, let me tell you I did not handle it well.
After a few years of mildly destructive behaviour and refusal to accept my ailments, my tenacity and general stubborn mentality kicked in and I decided knowledge is power. So, let’s learn how to beat it - I knew the cause (or at least the name), what I didn’t know was how to fight it on a daily basis and live something close to a normal life. Equally as important, if not more important, I was dead set on finding other people who also suffered and could relate, swap survival strategies, vent frustrations and also just remind me I'm not alone.
It’s sad to think about so many people who may not have the same fight and determination or do not have access to the same resources or privileges to connect and prevail against HS. This disease can be so isolating and crippling in nature that you kind of feel like you are drowning in a frozen lake with no way of breaking through the surface.
Fast forward to now, and here I am, seriously grateful to be somewhat happy and successful in spite of HS. And creating a space where, hopefully, we can shine a light for those who remain unaware, disconnected and lost in the shadows of isolation.
There is still so much we don’t know about HS and so many that go undiagnosed and untreated, but we are persistent and enduring. Hopefully, reading this helps, or maybe I am just indulging myself a little too much but if you managed to read this far, thanks for reading. To other survivors - you are so strong and unwavering.
Never forget that.
Nate.
The Violet Army
If you read through the above (if you didn’t, that’s okay too, it was very long) you would know that the Violet Army is a side project of mine that is kind of my way of dealing with HS.
It’s not fair that so many of us have to suffer in silence, without access to treatment or support. Through creating this small space, it would be amazing to see it become a bridge to the many online support networks, information and even doctors for those who are still in the dark.
All products sold on the Violet Army are in support of those surviving with HS and a portion of our branded items is donated to charities for the research and care of people with HS like the HS Foundation.
Anything you can do to spread awareness and start a conversation helps - this disease is notorious for being kept in the dark. If we start to normalise talking about the disease and its symptoms, we can begin to eradicate this danger and possibly help those who go undiagnosed.
Whether you are a survivor, a friend or a family member - there are some amazing communities that have helped me and could help you to better understand HS. All this information can be found here.
We are always looking to grow and promote new pages, communities and people who are fighting for HS survivors. So if you have something new please get in touch with us and share the love!