If Only....

The world of autoimmune and autonomic conditions is a crazy world of constant invalidation, especially in the medical community. How often have I heard, "it's all in your head or stress". If a loved one or friend says those words those invalidation becomes much more devastating and emotionally damaging. 

Imagine dealing with life-altering or life-threatening symptoms but constantly being dismissed as just crazy or attention seeking. 

The emotional cost is unimaginable. And it adds to the magnitude of stress illness already causes. 

When loved ones or friends simply say, "I believe you", all the stress and invalidation a wash away. Being able to be completely honest and authentic with this friend is truly a gift. 

Cost of illness plays out financially, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Huge guilt sets in when illness takes over your life. Especially because how much your illness effects others. 

Chronic illness is isolating and so very lonely. Feeling all alone is a constant companion. You no longer can attend events, drop by to visit loved ones and friends, go to lunch or dinner or to the movies. No more church activities or kids events. Your entire world consists within the walls of your own home and within the walls of doctors offices and hospitals. 

Support is critical and a life line. Everyone needs support and to know someone is cheering them on and caring if they live or die. The loss of connection is heartbreaking. Calls or texting or dropping by or even a funny joke makes our day. We feel like we matter, that we are still important and we still matter. 

After all, if medical professionals are struggling to crack strange condition, there is no way to expect family and friends or even strangers to fully grasp it. 

But the greatest gift anyone can truly give me is a hug, a smile, a kind word and a simple sentence, "I believe you!"