What It's Like Living With An Invisible Illness
Education Is Key
Many of those dealing with an invisible illness find talking about their health and educating others about their condition makes it easier for others to fully understand their predicament and thus treat them normally. Patients can ask for help without feeling embarrassed or judged as others understand the reason why they may need help and why they are behaving the way they are, no questions asked.
Knowledge and understanding are essential to being able to interact with society on the same level as everyone else, and they do not want to be labeled as 'lazy' 'incompetent,' 'work shy,' or 'faking it,' which are all untrue statements when it comes to an invisible illness. Unfortunately, the media portrays individuals on benefits as 'abusing the system,' which could not be further from the truth. Therefore, many sick individuals feel the need to advocate for themselves and create their own opportunities to educate others about an invisible illness.
Why Compassion Is Essential
There are many misconceptions about the term 'invisible illness' that lead others to perceive it as not being a real thing. For those living with one, the uncertainty of being told they have something with no cure and will give them debilitating pain every day for the rest of their life can be a life-changing burden. The main thing when it comes to dealing with a friend or loved one who claims to be suffering from physical and mental chronic pain that cannot be seen by the human eye is to practice compassion to the fullest.
For instance, do not doubt their words or make light of their pain simply because you do not understand it or are not experiencing it. Allow them to express themselves verbally to let you know what their body is going through at any given moment, and those living with the condition should not be afraid to voice their pain and let those around them know what is going on with their body to help bridge the gap of misunderstanding and create a more compassionate environment for them.
