Whether you know it or not, people get sick. Even previously healthy-as-a-horse, run around all day playing, not a care in the world people. And unless your hair is falling out, or you're walking with a cane, or you've lost so much weight you're bed-bound, many people don't notice. "You don't look sick." Invisible illnesses are sicknesses--usually chronic--that are invisible to the average Joe. These include, but are in no way limited to depression, anxiety, heart conditions, diabetes, IBD, Lupus, Lyme Disease, some cancers, MS, endometriosis, epilepsy, migraines, and the list could go on and on. If you suffer with any of these please realize, you're not alone! And there's some things you should remember:
1. There will be days where you don't leave bed.
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And that's okay! If you physically can't do it, don't. Make sure if you do have a documented illness that you talk to the department in your school that coordinates accommodations. They can help your professors understand that you need things like extra test times or leniency on their attendance policy.
2. Tell people how you're really feeling.
First of all, make sure you surround yourself with people with people you feel comfortable enough to tell. They'll support you when you don't feel well enough to take care of yourself. Then, actually tell them. It's okay to put on a brave face, but let others support you. When they ask, tell them! If they really care about you, they'll understand.
3. Take your medication.
For all that is good in the world, do it. Make a schedule if you have to. Set timers on your phone. It keeps you well. Many have sucky side effects, but they make you better. I promise.
4. Try to eat healthy.
I know it's hard, especially when the only thing tasty that the dining hall offers is pizza and cheese fries. But there's some truth to the saying "treat your body right and it'll treat you right." Some chronic illnesses can be treated solely with the correct diet, while others can be helped by getting rid of certain foods in partner with medication.
5. Keep your parents updated.
When you have a chronic illness your parents can be overbearing in the sense that they want to always know how you're feeling. They just want to make sure that you're feeling well. And if you're not, tell them! They love you more than anything.
And always remember: YOU CAN DO THIS.
