Show Sensitivity, Tact Toward Chronically Ill

After decades of good health, I faced liver failure, heart failure, and osteoarthritis leading to artificial hips. I’ve come to understand how difficult it can be adjusting to a new lifestyle when faced with an illness that will likely never go away. Chronic illnesses are increasing, In fact, it’s predicted that by 2030, 37% of adults age 50 and older will be affected by some type of chronic illness. According to a 2019 report from the National Health Council, “…chronic diseases affect approximately 133 million Americans.”

Try to be sensitive to people living with these conditions and be aware of what not to say.

For example:

  • “I know how your feel.” - The truth is you probably don’t.

  • “But you don’t look sick.” - Many chronic illnesses aren’t detectable by outward appearances. This isn’t what people like to hear and leaves them feeling as if others don’t believe that they are truly sick.

  • “You have to think positive.” - This can be a frustrating platitude for someone who can never walk away or take a break from being ill. It’s okay to acknowledge that being unwell is rotten and unfair.

Listening, education, and awareness are the keys to care. Remember to never ‘Dis-ability’, meaning, allow the ill person to demonstrate his or her own capabilities and limits. Our assumptions about what a chronically ill person can and can’t do are sometimes incorrect. No one wants to be defined by a disease. Help empower them and focus on abilities and interests.*

Be Well! ~Tiffany Anderson, LMT, RMT, BS, CHES

Article can be viewed on page 6 of the PEHP Cycles 2014 publication here.

*(First published in the PEHP Viewpoint Holiday 2013 issue, p.8 - while employed at PEHP as their Wellness Communications Specialist. Responsibilities included production and designing the monthly PEHP Wellness newsletter (distributed statewide), conducting biometric health screenings, and writing articles such as this one for numerous PEHP publications.)