Living with Invisible Illness: The Burden of Looking Healthy While Chronically Ill
By
Toni Bernhard J.D.
Summary
A personal essay from someone who has lived with an invisible chronic illness for 24 years, describing the burden of looking healthy while suffering from persistent pain and sickness. The author reflects on losing their job, hobbies, and ability to travel, while also dealing with the social and emotional toll of having a condition others cannot see.
Source
Key quotes
· 4 pulledI've been sick with an invisible illness for 24 years.
It cost me my job, my ability to do many activities I'd loved, and my ability to travel.
I also have to live with the extra burden of looking healthy to others.
I'm one among millions of people who live every day with sickness or pain (in my case, both) that is invisible to others.
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