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Unless you are someone who lives with a chronic illness – or loves someone who does – it can be hard to really understand what it’s like. Your illness is invisible, and so you don’t get any of the automatic sympathy and accommodation of someone who is, say, in a wheelchair.
It can be hard to get people to take your pains seriously, even doctors, and life can be more than a little frustrating.
Here are 14 people who know what it’s like and are willing to try to explain part of it to you – so take a read with an open mind!
14. It can be hard to know your limits.
And definitely to submit to them.
13. They’re telling the truth.
It would be nice if people would just, I don’t know. Believe them?
12. Take some notes.
Some grace makes every situation better.
11. We can’t compare ourselves to each other.
Everyone’s life experiences make them different.
10. There’s no magic cure.
Not for most people, at any rate.
9. Just keep this in mind.
And give people a little grace.
8. Kindness should always be a first option.
It costs you nothing and everyone appreciates it.
7. It’s something they learn to live with.
But no one is ok with it all of the time.
6. It can be hard to relax and enjoy.
Which makes it feel as if you’re wasting the good days.
5. They’re trying as hard as they can.
Even if it can look on the outside like they’re not.
4. It helps to bring a trusted friend.
Because they aren’t keen on letting you record things, sadly.
3. If they trust you, don’t betray that.
It probably took a lot of courage to speak up at all.
2. It’s a supportive community.
So don’t be afraid to talk about your experiences with them.
1. The world doesn’t care about their excuses.
But if you’re a friend, you should realize they are valid.
I find people willing to share like this super brave, but also super helpful to the rest of us.
If you or someone you love is living with a chronic illness, tell us something about your own experience in the comments!
