Invisible Illness Awareness: The Struggle Continues

Last week was Invisible Illness Awareness Week, which ran from Oct 14-20. Awareness weeks are designed to bring attention to certain conditions, issues and situations. They are directed at creating consciousness and disseminating information. Sadly, invisible illness is a subject that needs much more attention.

Those of us with chronic illness, whose symptoms are undetected by the human eye, continue to be scrutinized and judged unjustly. We are questioned publicly and often are made to feel as if we have to explain the scope of our illness. We believe we must substantiate our ailments sometimes feeling as if our failure to do so makes us look as if we are feigning illness. There have been several times when I felt as if I had to divulge my MS diagnosis and injuries. If I need assistance at the airport, I feel compelled to explain why. I can offer many other examples, yet I am certain you comprehend the gist.

I still have situations in which my illnesses are questioned by insensitive people who just don’t understand. The ignorant belief that if you look fine then you must be fine prevails. I try to remain unaffected by the idiocy, but the plight still saddens me.

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