Often the most difficult part of living with a disabling illness or injury is the lack of understanding the person encounters. Since most living with a chronic condition do not always "look" sick to us, we find ourselves struggling to believe their limitations are real. Even when our friend or family member tells us they are unable work, attend a gathering, shop, cook, clean, etc., we of...

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Often the most difficult part of living with a disabling illness or injury is the lack of understanding the person encounters. Since most living with a chronic condition do not always "look" sick to us, we find ourselves struggling to believe their limitations are real. Even when our friend or family member tells us they are unable work, attend a gathering, shop, cook, clean, etc., we often disregard what they are saying, because we think they "look" fine! 

Let's face it, most people cannot comprehend what it is like to be sick or in pain for weeks, months or even years, because we are used to going to the doctor, taking some medication and soon feeling better. Consequently, unless we are educated about what life changes a chronic condition can bring, we may inadvertently treat our loved one as if they just need to "snap out of it" or "stop complaining." As a result, the only way to transform our well-meaning, but hurtful view is to understand that the illness can debilitate a person's body against their will.

Therefore, The Invisible Disabilities Advocate strives to explain that even though the symptoms from chronic illness, pain and injury may not always be obvious to us, these "invisible disabilities" are very real. IDA provides helpful links to sites and organizations of several diseases, disorders and conditions, as well as a support board. 

VISIT US AT www.MyIDA.org or www.InvisibleDisabilities.org