People Open About What They Wish Others Knew About Their Disability Or Illness

golubovy - stock.adobe.com - illustrative purposes only, not the actual person
golubovy - stock.adobe.com - illustrative purposes only, not the actual person

Saying that having a disability or chronic illness is “tough” would be a drastic understatement. On top of dealing with the physical and emotional implications, people also have to combat misconceptions about their ailments every single day– whether that be with friends or family members, employers, or random community members.

Thankfully, though, people online recently took to Reddit to share what they wish more people knew about their disability or illness.

And aside from the thread providing these people with a platform to speak their truths, the responses can also help able-bodied people educate themselves.

Disabilities Are Not Always Visible

“Just because you cannot physically see it or because I act ‘normal’ does not mean it’s not there.” –Ty-t941

In fact, about 10% of Americans have a medical condition that is considered an “invisible disability.” So, remember to treat everyone with kindness and empathy– regardless of appearance.

How To Speak To People With Hearing Loss 

“I have hearing loss. It does not help if you say the same thing over and over, getting more upset but not trying to say it any louder or more clearly after I tell you I can’t hear what you are saying. Bonus points if you try to talk to me while walking away.” –NoBSforGma

Instead of becoming frustrated, remember to slow down, annunciate your words, and raise the volume of your voice when speaking with someone affected by hearing loss.

golubovy – stock.adobe.com – illustrative purposes only, not the actual person

Anxiety Syndrome Can Be Debilitating

“One of my illnesses is anxiety syndrome, and I don’t just worry a little. It is handicapping. It’s catastrophic thoughts.”

“I know I am often irrational, but oftentimes, it does not help to tell myself so. The anxiety is still there. Also, it can come out of nowhere for no reason.” –Sexychronicpain

So, if you know someone who suffers from anxiety syndrome, do not write their feelings off as illogical or unnecessary.

Rather, just be there for them and ask how you can help them battle these overwhelming thoughts.

Not All People Are Like Sheldon Cooper From “The Big Bang Theory”

“Not all of us are good with computers. We are not all Sheldon Coopers, Shaun Murpheys, Forrest Gumps, or Raymond Babbitts.” –Firespark7

At The Same Time, Some People Just Need A Minute To Process Their Thoughts

“I promise I’m not stupid, lazy, not listening, or uninterested. I ask to repeat things because my auditory processing is really awful, and it is hard to conceptualize instructions in my head unless they are written down in front of me and walked through with an instructor or colleague.” –Minitature_ranni

Sometimes, People Also Have To Live With Their Ailments Forever

“It is INCURABLE! I have a type of cancer that is treatable for life but incurable. People are always telling me, ‘You will beat this!’ Actually, I won’t– not until I die, anyway. And I’m not ready for that.” –Life-Two9562

To read the complete thread on Reddit, visit the link here

If true crime defines your free time, this is for you: join Chip Chick’s True Crime Tribe

The Strange Disappearance Of Dorothy Francis, The New York City Heiress Who Vanished While Shopping On Fifth Avenue

Her Stepdaughter Asked Her To Come Visit Her For A Week And Help Her Plan Her Wedding, But She Said She Can’t, As She Has To Stay Home With Her Parrot

Say No To The Bare Minimum: How To Know When You’re Not A Priority And Escape This Cycle In Your Relationship

Women Are Nearly Twice As Likely To Be Diagnosed With Depression: But, This New Study Suggests The Gender Gap Is Due To RNA Differences, Not Hormone Levels

He Forced His Son To Go To School The Day After Staying Up Late And Secretly Watching Netflix, But His Wife Thinks That Was Too Harsh Of A Consequence

He Kicked Out His Sister-In-Law After Finding Out She Had Been Trying To Take Money From His Three Children

Sign up for Chip Chick’s newsletter and get stories like this delivered to your inbox.

Katharina Buczek graduated from Stony Brook University with a degree in Journalism and a minor in Digital Arts. Specializing ... More about Katharina Buczek

More About: