09/25/2025
Living with an invisible illness is really tough. On the outside I might look fine, but the reality is very different. Yesterday and most of today, I couldn’t move without excruciating pain from the tension in my neck, shoulders, and back. It not only interrupted important plans I had, but also put extra strain on my husband and impacted my kids’ routines. It’s hard knowing my family carries the ripple effects of my pain.
What hurts even more is when people assume I’m being dramatic, lazy, or unreliable. The truth is, I’m pushing through pain most can’t see. I want so badly to show up for the people and commitments in my life, but sometimes my body makes the decision for me.
If you know someone living with an invisible illness, please give them grace... Believe them...It’s not drama—it’s their reality.
And if you find it hard to offer that grace, then please step back with kindness. Those of us living with this can feel when friends or family are resentful, angry, or don’t believe us—and that only adds to the hurt. Sometimes the most loving thing you can do is step aside gently.
