For the final days of #DysautonomiaAwareness, I chose to discuss how chronic illness can affect emotional health. This process is often messy and sharing isn’t always easy.

Many of us only show pictures in our good moments. Rarely do you see us posting when the pain is at its worst or we slip in and out of consciousness so many times we feel the aftermath for days.

Why is a half-smile and “FINE” our go-to answer when you ask us how we are feeling?

I believe the biggest reason is FEAR...

FEAR of being misunderstood - (Just because you see us smiling, doesn’t mean the pain is any less, some have just mastered the art of hiding it.)

FEAR of being an inconvenience - (Our illness often causes a scene at nearly every social interaction, so we would rather cancel than be a burden.)

FEAR of accusations and judgment - (If we post about our bad days, we are certainly attention seekers or making it all up.)

FEAR of being rejected- (Our normal has changed, friends and even family, may have abandoned us because we can no longer do and be who we once were.)

FEAR of negativity - (If we tell you how we really feel, we tend to hear things like, our faith isn’t strong enough, or just suck it up and push through.)

Very few people I know WANT, to endure this trial. In fact, many of us have tried all the things to make it go away... yoga, diets, therapy, medicine, new-age remedies, meditation, prayer, and every recommendation from our brother’s, wife’s cousin, who also shares this ailment.

How can you support a friend or loved one navigating chronic illness?

Drown out FEAR with LOVE!

LOVE by showing extra grace on symptomatic days. - (If we don’t text or call you back, it has nothing to do with you and everything to do with our reality.)

LOVE by inviting us to join you for coffee, a game night, or sending a text/call for a chat. - (No matter how many times we’ve canceled, we still want to feel included.)

LOVE by researching our illness to learn more. - (You don’t have to become an expert but knowing the basics will show you care.)

LOVE by showing support when we do have the courage to post about a rough day. - (If you are prompted to help, offer a meal or run errands or simply let us know you are praying.)

To my fellow Warriors, I pray for you daily and trust you have the support needed to endure the fight! If not, please reach out to me so we can wage this battle, side by side.

“Beloved, let us [unselfishly] love and seek the best for one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves [others] is born of God and knows God [through personal experience]. 8 The one who does not love has not become acquainted with God [does not and never did know Him], for God is love. [He is the originator of love, and it is an enduring attribute of His nature.]” 1 John 4:7-8, AMP

#renewedstrength #pots #bettertogether #MakeNoiseForTurquoise #hopethatsoars #mastcellactivationdisorder #Godismystrength #EhlersDanlosSyndrome #endometriosis