Chronic illnesses?

[Lochnessie1]

Hi!!!
I just want to say that I don’t have a chronic illness and have no idea what it’s like. My heart goes out to anyone who does as it must be awful. I hope I don’t cause offence by asking some questions but im just not sure and wanted to ask.

Firstly, What actually is a chronic illness? I’ve seen lot of people talk about having chronic illnesses but don’t state what they are (and they absolutely don’t have to, it’s nobody’s business apart from their own!) but is there a specific group of illnesses that people refer to under the chronic illnesses category or is the term chronic illness used to cover any sort of illness that’s long term? Would mental health conditions be classed as a chronic illness or would they be classed as something else? Would things like diabetes and asthma be chronic illnesses?

Ive also noticed recently that more people publicly discuss their chronic illnesses (which is fantastic and increases awareness). It’s mainly been on social media, and there’s accounts where people have it on their bio (things like fibrowarrior) and have Instagram pages for their journeys with hospitals and treatments so they share their journey and update people about their illness. I’ve definitely noticed a lot more of this across special media recently, and like I said it’s a brilliant thing because it increases awareness especially for less well known conditions! But my question is, why is there more of this recently? Is it that more people are getting diagnosed with chronic illness or is that those with chronic illnesses feel more confident and able to share their stories now compared to previously?

And finally, last question! Is there anything that those with chronic illnesses feel we could do better as a society to be more inclusive and it make things easier for those with chronic illnesses?

Thanks 😊

I have autoimmune diseases which are long term, no cure, so I’d say they’re chronic. I was only diagnosed 4yrs ago and I’m sick of it, and mine is thus far mild. I have rheumatologist appts, regular bloods and 6mthly eye checks. I went today and mentioned my hips have been locking and clicking and now need steroids, an X-ray and possibly an injection to solve the problem. It’s just the constant medical attention that gets me down tbh. Aside from the effects of the disease itself.

maybe more is known about these things and able to be more easily diagnosed, and less ‘shame’ (for want of a better word) so people are more open about it

I have ME/CFS. My main symptoms are severe fatigue, sometimes leaving me bed-bound for days at a time, insomnia (ironically), muscle weakness and aches, IBS-type symptoms, and brain fog.

I think you're right about diagnoses being on the rise, but I don't know if that's due to greater awareness and understanding within the medical profession or an actual increase in cases, although I suspect the latter, and I think stress and overload in our lifestyles may be responsible, and potentially an increase in toxins in our environments through pollution and poor quality junk foods. That's just a hunch though.

In terms of inclusivity, the pandemic showed us that we can work from home, and I feel that this could be made into a reasonable adjustment to allow people to work. In addition, using platforms like zoom for exercise classes and socialising is really helpful to those with limited energy.

I think chronic illness just means that you don't get better and have to live with it. As is my understanding any way.

I think that people are feeling more confident to speak out about chronic illnesses on sm due to support groups they find online. They want to raise awareness and be understood by society. They want to be believed.

Chronic illness can take over and have an effect on every aspect of a person's life. People make sm accounts to document their journeys and to raise awareness of the condition and what it's like to live with it.

My chronic illness effects my relationships, my parenting, my ability to function at all, my memory, my confidence, my job, my financial situation, my energy levels... It really is a massive part of my life unfortunately, and it can be a huge battle.