Odds are someone you know has a chronic, even debilitating illness, but you probably have no clue how it’s affecting his/her life. Just because a condition isn’t obvious doesn’t mean it can’t profoundly impact a person’s quality of life.
Invisible diseases are far more common than you might think.
According to Disabled World, nearly 50 percent of all people in the U.S. have some type of chronic condition.
Some of these issues are apparent; others are not. For those living with what is known as an “invisible disease,” the struggle to gain support and treatment can be difficult. As many as one in 10 Americans have an invisible disease. These conditions impair quality of life and can take many forms, such as renal failure, diabetes, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, hemophilia, ovarian cancer, and many more.
If you or someone you love has an invisible disease, gaining the support you need is essential. It’s easy to feel isolated.
Depression often accompanies chronic or progressive conditions — especially among people who have diseases that are not apparent or that are misunderstood. Finding a community is often the key to gaining optimal treatment and creating a support network.
What can you do to help create more visibility for these often over-looked diseases? Glad you asked!
October 15-21, 2017 is Invisible Disabilities Week, and there are lots of ways for you to get involved and raise awareness. Here are few from the Invisible Disability Association (IDA):
- FIND and SHARE: Invisible Disabilities Week’s Daily Activities on Facebook
- BE INSPIRE: Watch IDA videos with featuring IDA heroes, healthcare professionals and more!
- SPREAD THE WORD: Order pamphlets and books to distribute to during Invisible Disease Week and beyond.
- WEAR It: Outfit yourself with Invisible Disabilities t-shirts, hoodies, bumper stickers and more!
- RAISE $$: Create your own IDA Fundraising Page.
- MAKE IT OFFICIAL: Submit a proclamation request on behalf of those living with invisible disabilities in your state. This step-by-step guide tells you how.
- SHARE YOUR STORY: Patient Worthy was created to give people with rare (and often invisible) diseases a safe place to find information and exchange ideas. Share your story with the Patient Worthy Community today!
