5 Things People Living With Chronic Conditions Wish Others Understood
Living with a chronic condition can be isolating. There are so many aspects of living with a chronic condition that family, friends or coworkers might not understand or even think about. Chronic illness affects pretty much all aspects of life- work, hobbies, social life and relationships to name a few. It’s not something that can be easily compartmentalized, nor should it have to be. Being understanding and compassionate toward your loved one living with a chronic condition means so much. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Fatigue is not the same as feeling tired
When someone with a chronic condition mentions they are experiencing fatigue, do not equate it with your busy week or poor night's sleep. There is a big difference between these things. Fatigue caused by chronic illness can’t be fixed with a nap or cup of coffee. It is a deep level of exhaustion that can be physically painful and cause brain fog making even the most basic tasks difficult.
No two chronic condition patients have the same experience
Chronic conditions can vary in severity for a number of reasons. Even if you know two people with the same diagnosis, how each person experiences and handles their condition is completely individual. Please do not compare abilities, limits or symptoms. The same goes for recommendations or advice, just because a treatment or lifestyle change worked well for one person, doesn’t mean it will for another.
Plans will sometimes change at the last minute
Life with chronic conditions can be very unpredictable because of symptoms or flare ups. It's not that we don't want to be there or are using our illnesses as an excuse. It is extremely frustrating and upsetting to have to cancel plans because of illness. Please don’t make a chronically ill loved one feel guilty or ashamed for knowing their limits and putting their health needs first. It is never an easy decision to make.
Chronic conditions do not go away
Chronic means persisting for a long time or constantly recurring. Often friends and family wonder why a person with a chronic illness isn't “better yet” or might be confused by the cyclical nature of chronic conditions. The reality is that these diagnoses are lifelong and will have times of controlled disease activity along with flares, when symptoms worsen. It is important to realize that this is not the same as a temporary illness or injury like the flu or a broken bone. Most people living with a chronic condition will have to actively manage their symptoms and care for the rest of their lives.
It means a lot when you take the time to learn
Learning about the conditions a loved one lives with is a wonderful way to be supportive. Educating everyone in our lives can be overwhelming and exhausting. Not only does doing your own research take the pressure off of the patient to continuously teach those around them, but it shows you care about what they are going through. Learning more about the condition will help you understand the daily struggles that come along with their diagnosis.
How Chronius Can Help
If living with chronic illness feels like a full time job, you aren’t alone.
That’s why at Chronius, we make it easy to navigate the healthcare system as a patient. Our online care management platform brings together all of your health records and offers a 1-click appointment prep tool that easily synthesizes your health story for your care team. You also can track all of your symptoms, identify trends, learn from vetted medical information, and follow a custom patient journey map. Plus, if you needs hands on support, our Care Advocates are available to help you with any issues you may hit up against. Personalized support as you navigate your care journey is what we are all about.
Interested in learning more and signing up for our waitlist? Claim your spot today.
