Things you wish weren't said or assumed about your health conditions (seen or invisible)

1. For some of us, we can't just pop a painkiller and have the pain, symptoms or discomfort magically washed away, those don't work for me.

That's why I personally choose natural remedies, like heat and rest and binaural beats.

2. Why don't you take my word for it, that I can't manage that action because it aggravates my body or mind and leaves me broken in pieces for a long time..

You make me do something and after that I can barely function, then your response... Oh sorry, I assumed you were exaggerating because you don't look sick to me..

3. Oh just smile and carry on, there's nothing you can do about it, so might as well be happy..

Nope sometimes I want to wallow and be miserable that is all too much, accept my mood, yours can be whatever you want!

4. Why don't you join us?

Because it's a long taxing journey or activity and I cannot manage it. I'm not being difficult or dramatic. I have to think carefully if there are places to sit and rest, how long it takes, will I be standing or walking for a long time, you may not have consider these things but I do!

5. Stop judging a book by it's cover

Yes I may look younger, I may look healthy, I may walk un-aided, that still doesn't mean you get to judge or assume I am not struggling inside or desperately grabbing onto walls or trying to give myself the mental fortitude to take another step instead of collapsing or resting because this time I don't think I can make it home..

6. Illnesses vary from one person to the next, yours could be textbook, mine are not. Just because something works for you, doesn't mean it will for me.

Stop assuming you know my body, my health better than I do. You've read something? Good for you, I know what works and what doesn't!

7. When I say, I can't manage much. It's extremely taxing to go to more than one place/do more than one activity, let alone several.. Don't scoff and laugh, like I'm being a Princess. I physically cannot manage it, it's not an exaggeration.

8. Stop being lazy!

This one makes me scream. Taking care of myself, limiting my movements, napping or getting a lot of rest, helps my body repair itself. I'm not doing nothing, I'm preventing a potential strain or injury that has become all too frequent for me.