Since I’m going to talk about sex for the entire month of April (see This shit is bananas, B-A-N-A-N-A-S! for my A to Z blogging challenge topics), I thought I would go ahead and continue with invisible illness for another day.
According to Social Work Today, find it here, “Millions of individuals with chronic illnesses bear the extra burden of family, friends, coworkers, and even healthcare professionals who don’t believe these patients are ill because they don’t “look sick.”” There are an estimated 150 million plus people in the United States alone fighting invisible illnesses. An invisible illness can be anything that is not outwardly seen.It can be a psychological issue (ie. mental illness) or it can be physical (ie. chronic pain). 96% of people living with chronic conditions in the United States have an invisible illness. Auto-immune diseases, neurological conditions, heart conditions, and chronic pain are some examples. Here is a short list of the biggest conditions:
- Neurological Conditions: Including but not limited to, migraine headaches, traumatic brain injury (TBI), fibromyalgia
- Chronic pain conditions like back pain (spinal pain) and arthritis
- Auto immune diseases like lupus and other immune system dysfunctions
- Heart Conditions like Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
- Bowel Disorders, like Crohn’s disease
- Mental Illness like bipolar disorder (BPD) or depression. Bipolar disorder, by the way, indicates that the person has highs and lows, whereas in depression there is only low.
Of the over 150 million people with invisible illness, less than 7% use a cane, wheelchair, or other outward sign of illness. You probably pass a hundred people a week dealing with something you do not know anything about and you cannot see. I must say, some of these statistics surprised even me, and this is a subject I’ve researched before….
- Almost 1 in 2 Americans have a chronic condition.
- By 2020, over 150 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.Especially as our life expectancy grows and we are living longer.
- Just under a third of adolescents have ADHD/ADD, depression, asthma, or another invisible condition.
- Sixty percent are between the ages of 18 and 64.
- 90% of seniors have at least one chronic disease and 77% have two or more chronic diseases. Again, living longer will lead to more chronic conditions.
- 4 out of 5 United States health care dollars (78%) are spent on behalf of people with chronic conditions.
For anyone living with an invisible illness, it is something you cannot fully explain to someone who doesn’t have one. My dad, now in his 80s, is starting to deal with some chronic pain and it may be the fist time anyone in my family truly understands what I’ve been living with for 10 years. For anyone interested, I’ve mentioned my awesome Facebook group before, Suffering in Silence. Please join us. It is a fantastic group of supportive people who understand what you are going through. Know: you are not alone.
Suffering in Silence: But you don’t look sick. It’s a daily struggle feeling sick on the inside while you look fine outside. Please post as your status if you or someone you know has an invisible illness (Lupus, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue, Dysautonomia, Diabetes, Crohns, PCOS, RA, OsteoArthritis, Migraines, Kidney Disease, Epilepsy, MS, Depression, Bipolar, M.E, ASD, Borderline personality and Anxiety,Autism & ADD, ADHD and more.)
This post has appeared quite a few times in the past few days. Because of that, and the resulting comments, I thought a group might be nice. If you are one of the many that suffers in silence with a *disease* that most people cannot see, feel, or touch..or just love someone who is suffering in silence, please join. Tell us your story, ask for feedback, or just read what people have to say. I hope that maybe it heals you a little bit.
Blessed be one and all.
Terrific post! Hopefully the message gets out there. I’d like to re-blog this, if you don’t mind. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
I would be honored! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ok, I’ll get right on it! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! & excellent
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hey, I tried to re-blog your post but wouldnt work. I made a post with a link to yours. Hope a bunch see it. 😃
LikeLiked by 1 person
That works! Let’s hope 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sorry. Every time I hit the reblog it took me to your home page. Kinda odd. After a few tries I just decided to go the route I did. Hope you get some looks. It was a great post. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hmmm, I’ll have to look into that, thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sure thing. Of course, it’s more likely a case of user error. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
The other day I did something with the computer and apparently she knew an easier way. So she grabs the keyboard, sighs *old people* & shows me a better way. You’re in good company!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m a technological boob. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me too…I’m amazed I got this far without professional help lmao
LikeLiked by 1 person
Boy, do I need professional help! In more ways than one! 😃
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lol amen!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the share! 🙂
LikeLike
What a great read, thanks so much.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So glad you enjoyed! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is a noble and worthy idea. Hope it garners the attention it deserves
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! As do I 🙂
LikeLike
I agree! This was a terrific blog!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much! 🙂
LikeLike
You’re welcome!
LikeLiked by 1 person
What an informative, sympathetic post. I’m going to share this on Twitter, if you don’t mind, and I will urge those I know who suffer from ‘invisible illnesses’ to find your facebook group. I hope it gets the attention it deserves.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’d be honored! Glad u enjoyed it! 🙂 ty
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ivisible illnesses are very challenging. Great post. Happy A to Z’ing. Shawn from Laughing at Life 2
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks! Looking forward to seeing all the great challenge posts!
LikeLike