A mother was diagnosed with a rare and life-threatening condition after experiencing excessive sleepiness, causing her to miss her son’s birthday celebration. Holly McGougan, 31, had a history of health challenges, including pneumonia at 16 and recurring shingles since 24. Despite seeking medical help, her health deteriorated significantly last year.
She began suffering from severe migraines, weight loss, extreme fatigue, brain fog, and low blood pressure. Holly, a content creator from Paisley, Scotland, was constantly exhausted, even falling asleep during her son’s birthday party and sleeping for extended periods. Previously misdiagnosed with anxiety, depression, and fibromyalgia, she persisted in seeking answers until she was diagnosed with Addison’s disease in September 2025.
Addison’s disease affects the adrenal glands’ ability to produce cortisol, leading to fatigue, energy loss, and weakened immunity. Despite now taking steroids daily, Holly worries about her future with her two sons, Theo, eight, and Zach, six. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, she struggled to understand her persistent exhaustion and pain, with cortisol levels significantly below normal.
Holly’s husband, Craig, now supports her constantly, aiding her with medication and monitoring her health closely. She carries an emergency cortisol injection for sickness episodes. Despite challenges, Holly remains positive, sharing her journey on social media platforms. While currently in Thailand, she finds solace in the sun’s warmth but feels guilty about missing moments with her children due to her condition.
Despite the difficulties, Holly remains determined not to let her diagnosis define her, embracing life to the fullest. She shares her experiences on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube under the usernames @hollyandboystravel and @Hollyandboys, respectively.