Chronic Illness Can Be Invisible

These illnesses now encompass:

• Migraine
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Fibromyalgia
• Chronic Depression
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Chrohn's Disease
• Any chronic illness that has no outward visible signs!

One of the hallmarks of ICI (invisible chronic illness) is that the sufferer feels guilty for being sick.

How many times have you had a headache and heard:

"Well, you don't look sick." or.."If you are well enough to come to work, then get to work." or..."Yeah, we had to leave the party. Sue had ANOTHER headache."

If you have been suffering for years, statements such as these only serve to fuel the feelings of guilt and inadequacy.

The best response is to ask the person if they have ever had severe headaches. If "no" ask them to imagine an ice cream headache lasting 2 days or 2 weeks.

That is a form of a vascular headache, and when I explain this to spouses, friends, teachers and co-workers of my patients the look of surprise is almost predictable! Unfortunately, since many ICI sufferers are unaware of this newer concept, they do not seek treatment for the end result of ICI...depression and/or anxiety.

The consequences of depression, even if mild, can impact your ability to heal. Read more about depression in illness. For now, until more people start to learn about invisible chronic illness, it is up to you to educate them! Start with your family and friends..then some co-workers you trust.

Slowly the ball gets rolling and as people understand more, they will be come less judgemental.

ICI is gaining national recognition and this past year had the first National ICI week with a conference.

The second annual week was Sept 8-14,2008 and more information visit the National Invisible Chronic Illness Blog. For information on this group, please watch the short video below or go to Rest Ministries for chronic illness.

Find more videos like this on Illness-Disability-Healthcare-Caregiver Ministry Network


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