What Chronic Illness Really Looks Like

There is so many hidden struggles faced by those living with chronic illness. While on the outside, we may appear healthy and composed, the reality is very different inside its like a constant battle against symptoms that are both unpredictable and exhausting. These battles are the chronic pain, fatigue and the emotional and mental health challenges, creating obstacles to navigate daily.

Living with a chronic illness often requires us to change our life, forcing a balance between managing symptoms and maintaining some normalcy. It's a journey that demands resilience and adaptability, as each day can present new challenges.

• The simple act of getting out of bed

• The simple daily tasks, showering, brushing our teeth, getting dressed

• The simple cleaning your house like vacumming, dishes, washing

• Keeping up with simple social interactions, a phone call, a conversation

Many people take these aspects for granted and often complain about them daily. However, when these very things suddenly transform into your biggest challenges, the entire game shifts.

Despite the challenges we face, we learn to advocate for our health within the healthcare system, seek out community support, and embrace moments of appreciation and gratitude. For me, it's about thriving rather than merely surviving and discovering my own path through life. Some days are good, while others can be quite messy. The most important thing we need is understanding less judgment. It’s crucial for people to realize that you can’t always see someone’s illness or disability. While our social media may showcase our best moments photos and places we visit, along with endless physiotherapy and doctor appointments, there are days when our bed becomes our sanctuary.