Invisible Illness: Spreading Awareness #invisiblefight

Published: // Updated: March 13, 2021

Invisible illnesses encompass a broad range of conditions including heart disease, diabetes, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, lupus, depression and many others. Those with an invisible illness can present with varying symptoms such as debilitating pain, fatigue, dizziness, weakness, cognitive dysfunctions (brain fog), migraines, as well as many others that cannot be seen.

As of 2012, about half of all adults—117 million people—had one or more chronic health conditions. One of four adults had two or more chronic health conditions. Over 96 percent show no visible signs of their illness. With no outward symptoms, invisible illnesses are often complex and misunderstood.

As a society, we tend to judge other people too much. Unfortunately, people often judge others by what they see. People with invisible illnesses, who have handicapped parking permits are being harassed and questioned for using them. All because their disability is not visible.

Many people with invisible illnesses also bear the extra burden of not being believed by family, friends, coworkers and even medical professionals; because they don’t “look sick”. They cannot understand how you can feel good and function well one day, then be incapacitated the next.

This is why Invisible Illness Awareness Week (Sept. 28 – Oct. 4) is so important. Spreading awareness about invisible illnesses is the only way to create more acceptance and understanding. This year’s theme is my #invisiblefight because even if someone doesn’t look sick doesn’t mean they aren’t fighting a battle every single day.

My #InvisibleFight is Coping With Stress

I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia over a decade ago and I was pretty sure that I accepted it. I accepted that I had a long-term condition that was likely going to be with me for the rest of my life. I accepted the reality of my illness and the need to lead a different kind of life. I adjusted, I prioritize, I listen to my body and I pace myself accordingly. I was coping with and managing my illness very well…and then I wasn’t.

I have been under a lot of stress this last year. It has led to new symptoms and feelings of anxiety, sometimes to the point of feeling panicky. I have been trying to cope with it on my own, but I finally broke down at my last doctor appointment. She suggested seeing a therapist. I had my first appointment on Monday. We talked about the stress response (fight or flight) system in fibromyalgia.

The fight or flight response is an involuntary, spontaneous reaction to an impending danger. Your heart starts beating fast, your muscles tense, you are intensely alert. For a split second, you are paralyzed with fear. But then you make a decision to either defend yourself or run.

It is a well-needed response when we were faced with physical danger. Normally when the danger passes the threat response subsides. It is believed people with fibromyalgia have a hypersensitive fight or flight response. Our fight or flight response is activated and won’t shut off. We are stuck in survivor mode which can be expressed as anxiety.

So my therapy will consist of using mindfulness and progressive relaxation techniques to try to turn off the stress response system. If those methods don’t work alone adding medication is also an option.

The truth is that many people with invisible illnesses also have problems with anxiety, depression or both. Mental health disorders are considered an invisible illness on their own. There is no shame in seeking help. It does not mean that your illness is “all in your head”.

We often feel alone and misunderstood when dealing with an invisible illness. We are NOT alone. But the truth is that living with chronic illness is hard to comprehend unless you live it. If you need help, reach out and get it. You deserve to live the best life you can. Feel free to email me using my contact form.

Invisible Illness Awareness Week is sponsored by Rest Ministries, Inc. You can read more stories here: #invisiblefight blogs for 2015.

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