IIAW - "A little help gives a lot of hope."

The theme for Invisible Awareness Week 2009 was A little help gives a lot of hope. That phrase stuck with me since, and I really wanted to bring it up this year. So what does it mean to have an invisible illness? What is this all about? What is it when people say.. theyre sick but they actually dont look sick?! Is that real or just made up? What are these invisible illnesses?!

Hopefully this post will help answer some questions for you.

Invisible Illnesses are illnesses that are not immediately apparent, but are chronic illnesses that impair the normal functioning of day to day life. So does that make them not real? NO. They are as real as any fever or flu. Its of utmost importance to remember that even though its invisible, mental health is AS important as physical health, even if you cant see it. Invisible illnesses could include: Rheumatoid Arthritis, Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Migraines, Chronic Pain, Fibromyalgia, Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease, Autism etc.

We are organising the Invisible Illness Awareness Week on 7cupsoftea in order to remind people that just a little help to someone who is ill or hurting can give them a lot of hope. Just because someone isnt using a wheelchair doesnt mean that she doesnt have a disability. Friends and family of those with chronic illness care a great deal about what their loved ones are going through, but oftentimes the invisibility of the illness sets up an environment for misunderstandings and even doubt about the validity of the illness. We hope to increase awareness of how many people ‘look great but are hurting deeply. The feeling of knowing that ones illness and pain is acknowledged can have a great impact on how a person copes with living with illness and thats our aim!

On a personal, yet general note, If I had a pound for every time I heard, But you look great/happy/healthy/etc after honestly answering the dreaded question, How are you today? I would be a millionaire and living on an exotic island somewhere. You can only hear it so many times before you just begin lying and saying Fine and moving on.

So what could someone do instead of saying But you dont look sick!? They could just be there for me and tell me they understand. I dont want any advice or anything, I dont want tips, I just want to know that someone understands. Someone to tell me that they dont think Im making it all up. Its a little to nothing help, but it gives me hope to life - gives me a ray of hope that says even when things might not be okay.. theres still someone who understands. Someone who is trying for you, who is fighting for you.

So Id just like to end this post by saying.. A little help DOES give a lot of hope. :)

Stay strong, And if you'd ever like to talk, feel free to PM me :) x