I encounter many people with chronic health conditions because of my website and you would think the worst part of their invisible condition or disease would be Pain, fatigue, loss of self, depression, anxiety ect ect ect.
Unfortunately, time and time again I hear the worst part of their disABILTY is the lack of empathy from those they love the most. They say that NOT BEING BELIEVED they are sick is the worst part of their condition. There are some people that are so distressed about how their family and friends react to their condition that it can be the actual cause of some of their physical pain. We all know stress causes us more symptoms or what some like to call “Flare ups”. What can be more stressful than dealing with a debilitating condition and have the people you love the most be dismissive? This leads us to another host of emotions, ANGER AND RESENTMENT that can cause even more disEASE in the body.
We are emotional beings that seek out companionship, community, and love from one another. Because of the way society is right now we are lacking in many of these areas. People are too busy to stop and really listen to people and connect. They just listen to reply NOT to listen and understand. Most people have a need to be right over being kind and it can be very very hurtful when this happens.
How to deal with those that think you are just taking a life vacation!
I think MOST of us have one of these people in our lives if it be at school, work, home, or even doctors visits! YES! There are doctors that minimize illness even after having the facts and medical records right in their face. So how do we handle these people in our lives?
