Not every illness can be physically seen, but that does mean it is any less of an illness. Millions of people are living with invisible illnesses, but they are surely felt. It puts a burden on not only the person, but also their loved ones.
There is a stigma that comes with having an invisible illness -- since it cannot be seen, it is not actually real. What is happening is not happening on the outside of the body but is happening internally, therefore is it not as serious, as something that can be seen.
My question to anyone who questions an invisible illness is to point out that you cannot see cancer but you can see the toll it takes on the body, but as outsiders to the body, have you actually seen the tumors that have taken over the body? My point here is that, although nobody sees the tumors, but do see the negative effects it has on the body. But still, no one questions cancer, it is seen as a serious illness.
Why are other illness taken as seriously when talked about, or why are they really not talked about? Why is there a stigma when someone needs help?
When a person is living with an invisible illness, they are constantly questioned, are they actually sick or just milking it because they don't "look" like the typical sick person.
These illnesses can be all over the body, they can take the form of a mental illness, autoimmune disorders, and other forms.
There are over 80 autoimmune diseases that could be considered invisible. There are substantial differences in how individuals are viewed culturally and socially, depending on the diagnoses. Lucas, heart disease, diabetes and cancer can all be considered invisible illnesses, but no one would ever consider questioning the limitations of an individual who says that they have one of these diseases.
This is a few things to not say to an individual who is living with an invisible illness:
1. You don't actually look sick.
Not everyone "looks like" what is actually happening to them.
2. You are too young to be sick.
Age is irrelevant, your body can fail you at any point in time.
3. Everyone gets tired.
This may be true, most people are not getting enough sleep and rest. For someone with a chronic illness, simple tasks can an unreal amount of time to recuperate from.
4. You are just having a bad day...you don't have a bad life.
It often feels like you are just brushing off their symptoms.
5. It must be nice to not have to go to work or school.
Often they would rather be their not missing out on life than feeling trapped when they cannot even get out of bed in the morning.
6. You just need more exercise.
Exercise is really important and no one is denying that, it helps any health condition, but it is not a cure-all. Exercise is not always doable, everyone as limitations.
7. I wish I had time to take a nap.
To someone with a chronic illness it is not a luxury, but a necessity to make it through the day.
8. The power of positive thinking.
Positivity is really important and having a negative outlook can negatively affect an illness. Having a positive outlook is probably not a cure though. You cannot wish the illness away.
9. It will get better, you have to patient.
Not all illnesses will get better, the person probably knows you mean well. Some will an illness has to come to terms that it may not always get better.
10. Have you tried ____?
They have probably tried just about everything in the book, but just because it worked for your aunt does not mean it will work for them.
