5 Things To Say To Your Friend With Chronic Illness
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

5 Things To Say To Your Friend With Chronic Illness

How to be a compassionate friend.

43
5 Things To Say To Your Friend With Chronic Illness
Telegraph.co.uk

We are all quite familiar with the social standards of dealing with transient illness. If a friend comes down with the flu, you can bring them chicken noodle soup and kick back with some Netflix with them for a few days while the medicines do their thing. When we have a friend diagnosed with a chronic illness, however, things might not be so simple. It is in moments like these it is most important that we do not abandon our friends. Living with a chronic illness is never going to be easy, but a good support system can go a long way. If you are unsure of how to interact with your friend concerning their condition, here are some tips that will help you be a caring, helpful friend to your loved one.

1. "I believe you."

Often chronic illness, including mental illness, is also referred to as an "invisible illness." People who live with chronic illnesses tend to face doubt, both from their peers and within themselves. When someone looks healthy, it is hard to believe that their feelings don't match their appearances. Expressing belief and empathy regardless of whether or not a person "looks sick" is probably the most important thing a friend can do.

2. "Do you want company?"

It is nearly impossible for a person with chronic illness to predict whether they will be feeling up to going to that party with you next weekend, or even tonight. It's important to understand that maybe your quality time together would be better spent at their place instead. They might also need some alone time. Reassure them that you are available to meet them when and where they are most comfortable.

3. "No problem!"

One of the feelings that comes with chronic illness is the overbearing sense of being a burden or a nuisance to loved ones. If your friend with chronic illness has to cancel plans or ask for a favor, know that they would not bring it up if it were not absolutely necessary. Letting them know that you are not bothered and you do not hold it against them will alleviate guilt and reinforce your unconditional friendship.

4. "I cannot understand what you are going through, but I care."

The key difference between sympathy and empathy is the way we approach relating to the person who is seeking love. It is important to let a person with chronic illness express their feelings and struggles without belittling them or comparing them to other things. A helpful friend would never say things like, "At least ..." or, "It could be worse." Giving your friend the space to express their feelings and feel like they are being listened to is key to helping them cope.

5. Nothing.

Sometimes the best thing a friend can do is give a hug and lend an ear. If you do not know what to say in a situation, that's OK. It is likely that your friend is not looking for some magical tidbit of wisdom from you, but rather a shoulder to lean on and a familiar presence to comfort them in their time of struggle.

With these things in mind, it is also important to remember that your friend's illness is not the focus of your friendship. It is a condition of their life, but not who they are. As with any friendship, your connection with the person should be focused on what you love about them and the experiences that you share. You might have to make adjustments and alter plans, but your friend is first and foremost the person you love. With proper consideration and compassion, the friendship will be meaningful and impactful for both of you.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

48192
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

30598
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

954526
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

175092
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments