Invisible Illness

Chronic Fatigue is an Invisible illness.

It is not the only one, for example, migraines, arthritis, depression, anxiety, digestive disorders and diabetes. People with these types of chronic conditions can look perfectly normal when on the inside they could be really suffering.

I have spoken about this frequently with other people as it can be one of the most frustrating parts of being unwell. No one obviously would want to look ill but it would make it easier for people to understand that you genuinely have an illness and could be in pain even if on the outside you look fine.

If you had been in an accident and broken a leg for instance; it is very obvious to other people that you might need help and understanding from those around you. For example, when I get on a bus and there is no seats free, No one is going to get up to give me there seat when I look like a healthy 24 year old. The reality is that standing up for more than 10 minutes is really difficult for me. I could try and ask someone for a seat and explain to them I have CFS but I don't think they would see me as being chronically ill.

A problem that I personally have when I got out in public is that I start to feel anxious because I feel like people are looking at me and they can tell I'm not feeling well. Which is actually irrational since if anyone does look at me they probably see a normal girl. It's a battle I have with myself one the one hand wanting to feel Invisible and not draw attention. On the other wanting more understanding from other people that I am genuinely ill.

Having an Invisible illness such as CFS can especially can get a negative reaction from even health professionals. When I first became ill every doctor I saw couldn't seem to care less by how terrible I felt because all the tests came back fine. I eventually changed surgeries and found a new doctor who is very understanding. It's so important to feel like your not crazy and to have someone else confirm how you feel.

It can also be very difficult for friends, family and work colleagues to understand how your feeling when you still look the same. In the beginning I dealt with a lot of negative reactions from a lot of people. Telling me I'm just depressed! I've actually lost friends because of this. They didn't want to take the time to understand what I was going through. Even now, my sister still can be insensitive and call me lazy. On the whole though, my friends and family have started to take the time to really listen to me and research more about CFS which has made a huge difference to me now I feel supported.

Unless you'd go through something similar then its really hard to relate to someone with an Invisible illness. Other people can still do there best to understand what your going through and be supportive. We don't need people to put us down telling us "its all in our head" , "take antidepressants", " your just lazy", " be more positive ". Come on! Try put yourself in that position where you feel the worst you have ever felt every day.

Instead things you should say are " is there anything I can do to help?", "I'm here whenever you need me", " I'm so sorry your going through this".

I think it's important that everyone takes the time not to judge others or wish they were more like someone else. Instead realise that the guy sitting next to you on the bus could be dealing with a chronic illness and to be more caring and understanding towards other people. You never know when you might be in a similar situation and wish someone would show you some kindness.