Living with Invisible Illnesses: Coping with a World That Can’t See Your Struggle

When dealing with an illness that is invisible, explaining your condition to others can be a constant battle. Many people do not understand. However, it’s important not to let their lack of comprehension affect your well-being. For instance, during the summer, I wear cutoffs to display my prosthetic legs. This way, if someone needs a parking spot, they can’t get upset with me. People may not see the physical manifestations of my disability, but they can certainly see the device.

Fibromyalgia: From Invisible to Visible

Fibromyalgia used to be seen as a little-known or even dismissed condition within the healthcare system. It was considered something that only the weakest or laziest individuals would experience. However, recent studies suggest that fibromyalgia is a real and common disease. There is hope that a blood test might soon allow for more accurate diagnosis, validating the lived experiences of those suffering from this condition.

The Power of Not Caring What Others Think

Everyone faces the challenge of balancing the care they show to others with the need to maintain their own peace of mind. Of course, to a certain extent, it is necessary to care about what others think to navigate societal norms. However, when it comes to discussing your own health issues, such as diabetes, pain in your joints, and other chronic conditions, it’s essential to assert your own experience and not be swayed by other people’s doubts or ignorance.

Challenges of Invisible Illnesses

Conditions such as mental illnesses, substance abuse, cancers, diabetes, and other illnesses can progress in a manner that escapes detection. Sometimes, the person themselves might not realize the severity until it's too late. The effects of these illnesses can manifest in silent changes in behavior, making it difficult to cope with an external world that may not see the inner struggle.

Mood Swings and Diagnoses

Diabetes can cause a series of emotional disturbances that might be mistaken for mental health issues or even bipolar disorder. The emotional rollercoasters driven by the imbalances in glucose levels can lead to dramatic and sudden mood swings. These can be triggered by the foods consumed, or the lack thereof. For instance, not eating can cause problems, as can eating the wrong things, too much, or too little. These imbalances can have such a profound impact that they might be misdiagnosed, leading to unnecessary mental health interventions.

PMS and Post-Menopause Coping

Even conditions like Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) can cause mood swings that are often misunderstood. For me, recognizing PMS was the beginning of understanding my own body and its unique needs. After my hysterectomy, the mood swings became even more pronounced, leading me to realize that the imbalance was due to diabetes, a condition I likely had since childhood.

Effective Coping Strategies

The way I cope with these moods is through communication and awareness. When a volatility sets in, I let my family and friends know that I am not in any condition to handle certain situations that might trigger a bad mood. My husband even started to recognize the patterns before I did. Understanding when mood swings are coming and what might trigger them allows me to prepare and communicate effectively.

List of Effective Coping Strategies

To cope effectively:

Tell your loved ones when you are feeling particularly vulnerable and need space. Adopt a sugar-controlled diet to stabilize your moods. Seek therapy if needed to manage both your condition and the impact it has on your family. Develop a routine that includes monitoring your blood sugar and recognizing triggers. Communicate openly with your healthcare provider about how your condition is affecting your daily life.

Moreover, it's crucial to remember that the symptoms of an invisible illness can sometimes lead to a fine line between feeling supported and being misunderstood. It's important to choose your battles wisely and focus on self-care and communication to ensure you can manage your condition while coping with the challenges of an indifferent world.

Call to Action:

Understanding and supporting individuals with invisible illnesses is a shared responsibility. Let’s ensure that awareness campaigns and advocacy efforts highlight these challenges so that the next generation of doctors and patients can work together to make a difference.