October 1st - Coping with Invisible Illness

For those who do not know, it is Invisible Illness Awareness Week (IIAW)!

As such, we have a few things lined up during this week in order to honour this observance. Feel free to join in, if you can! - We encourage everyone to share and strive to learn about invisible illnesses during this time.

Yesterday's focus was "Stigmas against Invisible Illnesses". It was a day to reflect upon the treatment of those with invisible illnesses, and what we think and how we feel about this. Stigma can affect the lives of both ourselves and others in a variety of ways, so it is beneficial to be mindful of it - regardless of whether you yourself have an invisible illness.

Today's focus is on Coping with Invisible Illness.

Still thinking about the topic of stigma, it is not uncommon for many to hear statements such as You dont look sick. Just a few words, yet such statements often lead to a whole range of external and internal challenges for many of those with invisible illnesses. Therefore, these kinds of encounters can make coping with invisible illness particularly challenging at times. As such, we would like to take this opportunity to reflect upon that and consider how we may be able to take care of ourselves.

Here are some things you can get involved with today on 7 Cups for IIAW:

Discussion: The Challenges of Invisible Illness led by @Minionator
Location: Listener Community Room
Time: 11:30am EDT

Discussion: The Challenges of Invisible Illness led by @Dillion
Location: Guided Discussion Room (teen side)
Time: 4pm EDT

Discussion: The Challenges of Invisible Illness led by @Alicattt and @Always25
Location: Guided Discussion Room (adult side)
Time: 4pm EDT

Forum post: Accepting an Invisible Illness
Information: Looking at the steps we can take in order to accept our illnesses.

Forum post: "You don't look sick!: Living well with Invisible Chronic Illness"
Information: A book review.

Forum post: Having an invisible illness as a young adult
Information: Taking a moment to consider the experiences of young adults with invisible illness.

Forum post: Introducing the Chronic Pain and Illness Forum
Information: Giving an introduction to a few things available in this forum section, which may be a great space for those with chronic pain and illness to share and connect with each other.

Forum post: What is your invisible fight?
Information: Sharing what our personal experiences are with our invisible fights.

Forum post: A little help gives a lot of hope
Information: A reflection on the profoundness of this statement regarding invisible illness.

Forum post: The Invisible Me
Information: A poem touching upon the experiences and feelings of someone with an invisible illness.

Feed Activity: Talking about Invisible Illnesses
Information: Today's entry for the #IIAW hashtag will be on Rheumatoid Arthritis

Feed Activity: My Invisible Fight
Information: What is a fight for you that few people would even notice or understand? It doesnt have to signify something you cannot do. It can represent something that is just an extra challenge for you, something that makes you sigh with frustration, or perhaps hold your breath with a bit of anxiety. Share them with us via your feed this week! Hashtags: #MyInvisibleFight #InvisibleFight #IIAW

Feed Activity: 30 Things About My Invisible Illness Challenge
Information: Complete these sentences in order to give others an insight into your experience with an invisible illness. E.g., The illness I live with is…, I was diagnosed with it in the year…, But I had symptoms since.... You may wish to post one thing a day on your feed, or perhaps three or more - or all!

Hope you'll have a good day today! Learn more about IIAW here.

Did you know? It is also International Day for Older Persons today!
This years theme is Sustainability and Age Inclusiveness in the Urban Environment. #60PLUS