Living with a disability can be challenging in many ways, however, one of the overlooked challenge comes with how one is treated and viewed by others. This challenge comes with all disabilities; however, it is extremely prominent when it comes to invisible disabilities. The term “invisible disability” is defined by the Invisible Disability Association as, “…a physical, mental, or neurological condition that limits a person’s movements, senses, or activities that is invisible to the onlooker.”

While this definition is very straightforward, the Association continues on to say that the invisibility of the symptoms can lead to false perceptions, judgments, and misunderstandings. Due to this, I have conducted an interview with Shannon Miller, a regional leader for dysautonomia awareness.

1. Does having an invisible disability impact the way you are treated by others? If so, is the impact positive or negative?

It impacts us when we’re having bad days- since we don’t look sick, people view it as a negative thing like it’s all in your head. Oftentimes, people just look at you as a drug-seeker or just doing it for attention.

2. Are invisible disabilities ultimately viewed differently than those that are visible?

Yeah, definitely.

3. Does having an invisible disability impact the way you are treated by doctors?

If you can get to the right doctor that understands it, it’s ok. If you must explain it to a doctor, it can be difficult. Some doctors will get defensive if you challenge them. Some doctors will default to, “it’s all in your head.” Its Munchausen- you’re making yourself sick for attention or convincing your kids that they’re sick. Even though there’s an obvious physical diagnosis, they try to chalk it up to anxiety. One of the immediate defaults is drug-seeking.

4. What are some problems that might come to light during the diagnostic process of invisible disabilities that may not occur with those that are visible?

For certain things, like dysautonomia, it’s easier to get tests done if there’s something obviously wrong with you. You must work a little harder to get tests than if you go in with a broken arm. If you go in with someone who is passing out and had concussions in the past, some doctors will tell you it’s just post-concussive syndrome. You must have more proof than most normal people do. It’s hard to just say, “my pain has increased and I don’t know why.” It’s easier to be diagnosed when it’s visible as opposed to not.

5. What can we do to increase awareness of invisible disabilities?

Education with physicians. As one of the regional leaders of the dysautonomia support network, I am going to local hospitals with brochures with facts about dysautonomia and all the conditions it encompasses. We need to increase awareness in physicians. Dysautonomia is not rare- it’s just rarely diagnosed. The only way to create awareness is to educate others- especially the healthcare professionals.

For BGSU students with disabilities, there is a support group for students with both invisible and visible disabilities that meets every other Thursday from 5-6:15 p.m. in the counseling center. Contact mtaran@bgsu.edu for more information.