Just Think Before You Speak

There are so many articles out there with advice on  how to treat a friend that you know who is suffering with a Chronic illness, yet there are still such ignorant responses or statements made. It hurts the suffer and they have enough to deal with just being sick, and they are sick of being sick. They would love to be outside playing baseball, walking their dogs, taking trips, visiting family and friends. Sometimes, in fact a lot of times it is hard for them to even go out to eat they maybe to tired to clean themselves up, or to stay awake long enough because they are too tired. Sometimes they find it hard to even have company visit them, or there is an effort trying to talk or hold a conversation. They want this, but it is hard. It is a lonely job being sick all the time. It is an effort every day for the chronically ill to shower and get dress, sometimes it is an effort to get out of bed in the morning. The chronically ill are constantly pushing themselves. It would be like you who are healthy trying to walk with 300 pound bricks tied to each foot. And if your brain is affected by the chronic illness, it is worst yet as you have to think through each movement you make with that 300 pound brick. Each word coming out of your mouth is an effort for you. Sometimes standing still is an effort for your brain as it wants to tip you sideways or backwards so you fall. It is all an effort.

So when people say to the chronically ill
You would feel better getting some exercise
If you only lost weight
You need to get out more
You need to have some company and enjoy life a little bit
You don't look sick
You are out and about so you can not be that sick
Ah come on, you can do this, come out with us
If I were you I would stop taking all those dam pills they are making things worst

There are so many more, but I think this must give a pretty good idea. Just think before you offer advice. Think how it would be carrying that 300 pound weight on each foot all day long, and then having your brain affected sort of like being hooked up to one leg with the 300 pound weight. Just think for a min. dragging your body and your brain and think of how tired you would be and discouraged. Just think.