How to See an Invisible Illness OR Suffering Collides with Compassion

Youth defines Amy’s face, pain dictated her movements. The vibrant life of this medical student has dimmed to a routine of constant pain and rest. Her body is fatigued; her brain a fogged. Lonely;  no one understands her struggle, looking from the outside in.  She does not look sick.

“What do you do?” is a question she dreads and avoids. Surprised skepticism follows her answer as she tries to explain her home bound existence during the cycles of flare ups. She fears the label, the judgement, that she is lazy. She does not look sick.

“You attended the graduation ceremony yesterday, I thought you were well.” Friends inquire about her fluctuating energy level, her inconsistent connection with them. It is hard to explain.  Even harder to understand. She does not look sick.

There is a great chance that either you are someone like Amy, experiencing a chronic illness. OR you know an “Amy”  living with an invisible illness. Chronic illness in the US is on the rise.

Despite the fact that the majority of the US population looks rather healthy, statistics show a different story. Nearly 1 in 2 people have a chronic condition. These illness can include conditions like cancer or rheumatoid arthritis, or other conditions such as migraines or back pain from a car accident.

Studies conducted on people with illnesses and disabilities often overlook those individuals dealing with chronic pain on a regular basis, as these individuals may have not yet been diagnosed as of yet. Following is a list of chronic illness and invisible illness facts that may open some awareness and provide a new perspective on the complexity of living with a chronic illness in our society.

• Nearly 1 in 2 Americans (133 million) has a chronic condition
  Chronic Care in America: A 21st Century Challenge, a study of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation & Partnership for Solutions: Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD for the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (September 2004 Update). “Chronic Conditions: Making the Case for Ongoing Care”.

• By 2020, about 157 million Americans will be afflicted by chronic illnesses, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

• That number is projected to increase by more than one percent per year by 2030, resulting in an estimated chronically ill population of 171 million.
  Chronic Care in America: A 21st Century Challenge, a study of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation & Partnership for Solutions: Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD for the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (September 2004 Update). “Chronic Conditions: Making the Case for Ongoing Care”.

• 96% of them live with an illness that is invisible. These people do not use a cane or any assistive device and may look perfectly healthy.
  2002 US Census Bureau

• Sixty percent are between the ages of 18 and 64
  Chronic Care in America: A 21st Century Challenge, a study of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

To give a face to the plight of these individuals suffering with invisible illnesses I have included a video that gives a voice to their suffering. The words at times are harsh, but it speaks to the daily burden of an invisible illness that never leaves.

So, why would it be important to be aware of a struggle that impacts “nearly 1 out of 2” people who live in this country? If someone struggles alone, their burden becomes greater and the illness deepens and become overwhelming.

Medical studies have proven that kindness shown through empathy and compassion, has dramatic impact on illnesses. Even a common cold can be lessened by a compassionate connection.

This new body of evidence spanning psychology, neuroscience, and even economics reveals that as a species our default mode is not one of self-centeredness but that we are wired to connect and when we connect our physiology improves for the better.

Could you choose to be a lifter of suffering? Choose to be involved in a life that has been limited by a chronic illness?

“Carry each other’s burdens…Do not become weary of doing good…as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people…”  quotes of Galatians 6

Lifters of suffering by acts of compassion can bring health. Not only is fact proven by science but it is a spiritual truth as well:

A cheerful look brings joy to the heart;
    good news makes for good health.  Proverbs 15:30 NLT

As state above, concern and connection produce a physiological change in the body of the one suffering illness. They no longer feel alone, the invisible becomes seen.

A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body.. Proverbs 14:30A NLT

There may be sacrifices in helping the suffering. To be involved we must first seek to understand more about the suffering, listen to concerns and spend time comforting with our presences.

My energy and drive to comfort others comes from our Father in Heaven, through the love of His son, Jesus Christ. His love and light is in me.