There are many different invisible illnesses out there — diseases that don’t necessarily come with an outward sign that says “hey, I’m sick” to the world.
- For some people with an invisible illness, the hardest part is friends and family members who say things like “But you don’t look sick!” or “You look fine!” or “Tough it out!” It can lead to feelings of anger or isolation or both — and more. It may be hard to convince friends and family that while you may LOOK fine, you don’t feel fine.
- For some people with an invisible illness, the hardest part is thinking back to days before they were sick. It may be easy to look back at days when you were healthy and energetic, but that only gets you stuck on the cycle of depression. “I used to do x, y, and z before I got sick. But now I can’t do those things anymore…”
- For some people with an invisible illness, the hardest part is not having as much control over your body. Symptoms may be difficult (or next to impossible) to control — you may feel like your body has become a stranger, or the enemy. Symptoms may ebb and flow, leaving you with almost normal energy one day and next to none the next.
- For some people with an invisible illness, the temptation to push beyond your limits is strong. Overexertion can actually make symptoms of your illness worse! It can be hard to learn to pace yourself and live within the limitations of your invisible illness.
- For some people with an invisible illness, the hardest part is saying no to activities that would have been easy before the condition developed. Feeling like you’re missing out on something you love isn’t going to make being sick or in pain any easier.
- For some people with an invisible illness, the mind and body operate at different speeds. In your head, there’s so much you want to do — but your body can’t even get started.
- For some people with an invisible illness, the hardest part is admitting that you need help. You may have to save your strength for the high priority stuff in your life, and hand other responsibilities off to family members. You may have to start each day with a list of the things that MUST be done and the things that can wait. You may have to surrender some of your independence.
It can be hard to navigate life with an invisible illness. You may feel alone, angry, and misunderstood. Try to talk to your friends and family about how you feel — physically and emotionally. Even if they can’t understand without walking a mile in your shoes… the people who love you will want to try.