Navigating the Challenges of Invisible Illness

October 15, 2024

By Duchess x Opulent Abilities  

When others cannot easily see your pain or illness, they might doubt its existence. Snide remarks and comments can leave you feeling isolated, frustrated, or even questioning yourself. We want to emphasize that your health challenges and concerns are genuine and worthy of recognition, regardless of their invisibility to the outside world. 

Finding Your Strength Amidst the Skepticism

1. Trust Your Body, Trust Your Story.  One of the most important things you can do is reminding yourself that you know your body better than anyone else. 

It is easy to second-guess yourself when faced with disbelief. Especially over time, this doubt can chip away at your mental well-being. 

Documenting your symptoms when they occur can be extremely useful—whether jotting it in a journal or in a note on your phone. That can provide more clarity on your experience and can be a valuable resource when talking with medical professionals later. It is an incredibly empowering feeling when you are able to clearly articulate your symptoms, experiences, and concern and hold your own when talking to a doctor. 

2. Understanding the Potential for Medical Gaslighting. An unfortunately common experience for those of us with invisible illnesses is medical gaslighting, where healthcare professionals may dismiss or downplay a patient’s symptoms. 

This can lead to additional feelings of frustration and helplessness, as your pain and struggles may be minimized or attributed to psychological factors: "If it were really that serious you would be in the emergency room." "Maybe you just need to drink more water." "Sounds like you just need to get to bed earlier." "If you just lost some weight..." "You're just anxious." And my personal favorite, "Have you tried yoga?" 

Insert several exasperated sighs and eyerolls here... 😉

Also, some of us may feel intimidated or uncomfortable speaking up for ourselves, especially in the presence of a “professional,” but once again that does not make your symptoms any less valid. It is essential to advocate for yourself - if you feel unheard or invalidated, please seek out another opinion or look for a different healthcare provider who will respect your experience and is willing to work collaboratively with you to address your health concerns. If you have supportive and understanding family or friends, perhaps see if they would feel comfortable and willing to join you on an appointment. This could be quite helpful, as they would also be familiar with at least some of what you are dealing with. Sometimes having another person with you can help to bridge any gaps in communication or understanding between you and the doctor.

3. Building a Support Network. Realize that not everyone will understand what you’re going through, and that’s okay. Surrounding yourself with those who do - whether loved ones or online communities of others managing invisible illnesses (like this one) can be life-changing. 👥👥👥

Sharing your experiences with people who get it and listening to theirs, can help alleviate feelings of isolation and help you feel validated and uplifted.

4.  Communicate Your Needs and Set Boundaries. Managing your chronic symptoms can take a toll on your mental health, and sometimes the (hardest but) best thing you can do is ask for help. 

You do not owe anyone an explanation for how you feel. At the same time, having a plan or outline already in place for potentially difficult conversations can ease some of the stress and mental load. 

Simply stating something like, “I understand this might be hard for you to fully understand, but this is my reality, and I need your support,” could possibly open the way to more supportive interactions in the future. Having those types of conversations can help spread awareness, compassion, and understanding! 

However, if someone constantly doubts your illness or tries to minimize your experience, it is okay to set boundaries to protect your mental space. 

5. Focus on What You Can Control. Invisible illnesses often bring a lot of unpredictability, which can lead to feelings of helplessness. 

It is important to focus on what is within your control: your self-care routines, pacing yourself, or managing stress in ways that work for you. Journaling, breathing exercises, and gentle movement can also help calm your mind when your body feels out of sync. We recently did a 7 - Day Reconnect With Nature Challenge on instagram, highlighting the benefits of nature, especially while navigating chronic illness. 🌿

6. Seek Professional Help. Therapy or counseling can be an invaluable resource, especially when navigating feelings of frustration, sadness, or anxiety that can come with a chronic condition. 

Please do not hesitate to reach out to mental health professionals or lifelines that can offer tools to help you cope with the emotional burden of an invisible illness. Remember you are not alone. 🤝🏼

You Are More Than Your Illness

While your symptoms might not be visible, your strength, resilience, and perseverance are undeniable. 🫶🏼

By prioritizing your mental health and surrounding yourself with support, you are giving yourself the care you deserve. Remember, even on the hardest days, your experience is real, your voice matters, and you are not alone. 

Now say that out loud to yourself: "My experience is real. My voice matters. I am not alone." ❣️

For more encouragement and tips on navigating life with invisible illnesses, check out more of our blog at here at Opulent Abilities and follow us on Instagram and Tik Tok! Let’s keep supporting each other, one day at a time.