Infographic: Common Hidden Illnesses Explained

by Burning Nights

Living with a hidden illness such as lupus, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), Fibromyalgia or Multiple Sclerosis is very challenging without having to face ignorant accusations;  Accusations such as  ‘milking it’ from people who have no idea of the pain the individual may be experiencing every day of their life.

Unfortunately, a lot of invisible illnesses have no scientific treatment.  However, even a basic degree of understanding from others can make a huge difference to the morale of the one challenged with a hidden illness. 

The same applies to Depression.   That person you see happily chatting with friends in a restaurant or posting photos on Facebook after a great evening out is extrinsically at one with life… BUT on the inside, he/she could be battling some monumental issues.

When he/she expresses a lack of desire to do anything or go anywhere, the gut reaction might be to brand them as lazy or unsociable, when in fact they might sorely need a reassuring hug or some words of encouragement.

Many have sadly encountered those moments of helplessness when they just have no energy for living.  In such moments, criticisms of laziness or hibernation serve only to worsen the problem.  And it makes it all the less likely that they will suddenly spring to their feet and take on the world!

If you witness someone in this situation, rather than making uncomplimentary assumptions, ask how they’re feeling or if you can help.  It’s a sign that you are at least aware of how challenging life might be for that person.  It means that you want to do something to relieve their pain to some extent.

Even if you don’t succeed in identifying and eliminating the root cause of their challenge with depression or unhappiness, the time you took and the compassion you showed in talking to them, will be greatly appreciated.   Conversation is an extremely powerful thing;  Just one could alter a person’s life.

The Infographic below from Burning Nights (http://www.burningnightscrps.org/) identifies a few common hidden illnesses, including depression, and advises on what can be done to make these crosses less difficult to bear.

Burning Nights is dedicated to increasing awareness of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) across the UK and worldwide, and offering support to people suffering from CRPS.

About The Author

Zoe

Zoe met Eze (Chuck) in the 14th year of what turned out to be an 18 year ‘journey’ with mental illness. They got married less than a year of meeting with Zoe fully knowing Chuck had a diagnosis of mental illness. In the 18th year, Chuck defied the odds of mental illness. A consultant psychiatrist signed him off the mental health system with a bill of NO MENTAL ILLNESS. The consultant was so amazed by Chuck’s astonishing recovery that he even questioned how Chuck was diagnosed with mental illness all those years before, in the first place! Today Chuck is free from medication, its dependency and hospitalizations. Zoe’s award nominated book, DEFYING THE ODDS, chronicles the highs and ‘lows’ of this journey. Zoe, often writing from the standpoint of a caregiver, clearly understands that mental illness does not only affect an individual challenged with the disease, but also families, marriages and society as a whole.

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