Gabrielle De'Athe, a 34-year-old woman, has been suffering from a debilitating condition often referred to as 'suicide disease', which leaves her unable to go outside during cold or windy weather. The pain is described as feeling like being 'electrocuted and stabbed' in her face, triggered by even brief exposure to cold. Gabrielle's struggles began in January 2023 and after numerous failed visits to dental professionals, she was eventually diagnosed in May 2025 after enduring months of severe pain that led her to pass out.

Her journey to diagnosis was fraught with frustration as she was reportedly dismissed by GPs for over two years, leading to a significant deterioration in her quality of life. Gabrielle expressed feelings of desperation, even screaming in pain during severe facial attacks, as her condition was not properly acknowledged or understood in the medical community. The lengthy delay in diagnosis and lack of effective treatment has left her feeling isolated and hopeless, particularly as she is reliant on the NHS.

The implications of Gabrielle's case highlight broader issues within the healthcare system regarding the recognition and treatment of rare diseases. The lack of available treatment options on the NHS for conditions like Gabrielle's underscores the urgent need for increased research and awareness, as well as a better understanding of how to support patients suffering from such debilitating illnesses. Her story raises awareness about the ongoing challenges many face in navigating healthcare systems, particularly for rare and poorly understood conditions, and the need for improved patient advocacy and resources in the UK.