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    No, I'm not lazy and I'm not crazy... Archived Message

    Posted by Wyld_Roze on January 17, 2011, 2:26 am

    Even if you don't see it, disabling chronic condition that create pain and fatigue are very real. If you know someone who complains of extreme fatigue or pain, don't be so quick to write it off. Some days are better than others, so even though that person may be able to go for a walk one day, the next they may not be able to get out of bed. They need your support, not your skepticism. Also never tell them:
    ...but you don't look sick
    ...everybody gets tired
    ...you're just having a bad day
    ...it must be nice not having to go to work
    ...I wish I had time to take a nap
    ...if you'd just get out more
    ...you're just getting older
    ...you just need to lose some weight
    ...if you'd exercise more
    ...it can't be that bad
    ...it's all in your head
    ...you're just depressed
    ...there are people worse off than you
    ...you'll just have to tough it out
    ...you just need a more positive attitude
    ...this too shall pass
    ...we're never given more than we can handle

    Get the picture? Also remember, that for these "invisible" diseases, such as MS, Fibromyalgia, Lupus, Chronic Fatigue, etc that just because you can't see them, it doesn't mean they aren't real. Don't be so quick to decide who deserves that handicap plaque, you may not be able to "see" what they have.

    This link describes it very well what it's like to live with a condition like this while it is managed. For conditions that aren't managed, think of every day as waking up with a different number of "spoons."

    The Spoon Theory

    Please keep all this in mind the next time someone who has a condition says they just don't have the energy, when to you, they've done hardly anything. Be just as compassionate to someone who has invisible diseases as you would to someone who had a physical issue.

    Thanks.

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