10/09/2024
Anyone suffering with a chronic illness is likely to minimise what they are actually feeling by saying 'I'm tired.' It's not really what they mean at all.
-they might be tired of life
-tired of trying every day to put a brave face on it
-tired of polite ridicule of them 'always being tired'
-tired of explaning the same thing over and over and the other person really not listening.
Chronic illness isn't a joke, it isn't an excuse and it isn't about being lazy or seeking an easier life.
Chronic illness changes your life, it changes your perspective, it changes your boundaries and it vastly limits your social abilities.
It isn't helpful to say 'I have a friend who has that,' 'go have a rest,' or 'you're always tired.'
Live a week in the body of someone with Fibromyalgia, Chronic fatigue syndrome, MS, POTS, depression, anxiety etc and you'd understand the strength it takes just to get up in the morning some days, let alone run a house, work, cook and hold down a relationship.
It's isolating, it's guilt and shame inducing, it's debilitating some days and it resticts freedom. The world becomes a smaller place.
If a sufferer chooses you to talk to, try to be their safe space, bother to listen, don't interupt.
You can't fix them and that's not what they are asking for, they just want to be seen, heard and respected.
Not offering these things is instant rejection. Please don't reject those you love who are suffering daily.
