Let Us Not Ignore the Humanity of Invisible Illness
The numbers on invisible illness are shocking—more than 130 million Americans have a chronic condition and 96% of those can be classified as “invisible”—but the statistics are just a small part of the story. It is often the first-person accounts that reveal the physical and emotional reality for an individual. These are just a few of those revelatory statements:
“Invisible illness makes just getting up in the morning more challenging than it is for most people...yet still...you rise.”
“Having a chronic illness means the should-we-have-a-baby question becomes one of the hardest decision you will likely ever have to make.”
“Invisible illness means a million times a day you ask yourself: Can I lift that? Pour that? Carry that? Turn that? Load that? And never knowing the answer for sure.”
Others share their experiences visually. Artist Lorie Novak, who has chronic migraine, photographs herself during attacks, while another photographer Joaquin Paredes captures the physical pain his girlfriend experiences as part of her migraine condition.
I’m personally reminded of someone close to me who suffered from serious bouts of stress-related vertigo, and I recall how it would literally cripple her ability to function. Her laying down on the bed with a towel over her head to keep the room from spinning. And only those nearest to her ever saw any hint that there was ever anything wrong.
Together, these all paint an incredibly powerful and raw portrait, giving recognition to the nuances of chronic illness (beyond just physical pain) which often go unseen. These expressions reflect the true humanity behind it—the daily compromises, the hurt and frustration, the endurance, the strength, and so much more.
It’s also why we want to recognize the fact that it is Invisible Awareness Week (September 26 through October 2), so that we can help bring greater understanding and respect for those who live it every day. You can get involved by sharing your story on social media with the hashtags #ThisIsChronicIllness or #InvisibleIllness.
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