Those who live with chronic illness are affected by their condition on a day-to-day basis and even hour-to-hour basis. Living with a chronic condition can significantly affect daily activities, relationships, work, and well-being. A chronic condition is one that lasts beyond usual recovery times for injury or illness when symptoms have exceeded 3 months and have persisted or gotten worse. Common chronic illnesses include cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and arthritis.
What Is Chronic Illness?
Chronic illnesses are not just characterized by long sickness. They also often have complex factors, a variety of risk factors, long latency periods, and functional impairment or disability. Some, like heart disease, can be very serious and require consistent critical medical care. Others, like arthritis, may not be life-threatening but require ongoing management. These illnesses can cause physical symptoms and need treatment, but people with chronic conditions can still live full lives. It is essential to comprehend the condition, treatment options, and how to manage symptoms. Having a good support network and staying connected to others is also invaluable to cope with the challenges of chronic illness.
Ableism and Disableism
As a family member or friend of someone who lives with a chronic illness, it is indispensable to understand the difference between ableism and disableism. Ableism sees people with disabilities as less than capable because they have different abilities. It wrongly assumes they need to be “fixed” and judges them based on their disability rather than who they are as a people. This includes negative stereotypes and assumptions about disabled people. Disableism isn’t just intentional meanness it’s also unconscious attitudes. These unconscious biases are more difficult to fight than outright discrimination, but both are important to address for equal rights. Most people wouldn’t say they dislike disabled people, but they might not realize how society makes it hard for them to live normal lives.
Steer Clear of Toxic Positivity
Toxic positivity isn’t just about cheering someone up. It’s the belief that only positive thoughts and emotions are valid, effectively dismissing the very real struggles people face. When someone with a chronic illness is dealing with pain, frustration, or fear, toxic positivity shuts down those feelings with forced cheer. Instead of offering comfort and support, it can make the person feel like their struggles are wrong or unimportant.
Avoid saying:
- Just stay positive
- At least you’re alive
- It could be worse
- Everything happens for a reason
- You’ll be fine
How to Help and Be Supportive
Chronic illness fighters need compassion, not unsolicited advice. Listen to their experiences and try to understand their world. Validate their feelings and support their journey, even on bad days. Offer practical help without judgment and grasp that life with chronic illness is unpredictable. Volunteer to take your loved one to medical appointments, help with cleaning or any other needs around the house, and assist with errands. This could entail being the designated driver and helper or running errands for them when they can’t physically do them. The most valuable support system for someone with a chronic illness is unwavering love and understanding. Trust that they are doing their best and will rejoin activities when their health allows.