An Open Letter to Those Annoyed by My Chronic Illness

To the people that are annoyed by my chronic illness, I understand that you are annoyed. My problems are often inconvenient, and can make things more difficult for everyone around me. Before you start complaining though, please consider that what you are complaining about is my everyday life. I do not choose to have these symptoms only when I'm around you. And at least you can get away from me and not have to deal with the symptoms anymore. I don't have that luxury. And when you complain about my issues, something so deeply a part of me, I can only think that the complaints are about me and not the disorder I'm affected by. If you tell me that I can talk to you when I need help, don't expect me to come to you right away. I've heard this many times before, and I know that most people rarely mean it when they say it. If I do work up the courage to talk to you about it, do not give me advice about taking better care of myself. Because if simple advice worked on chronic illnesses, we would all be cured. I am disabled, yes. But I must remind you that I am also a person. I should be acknowledged for my personality, not for my symptoms or whatever assistive devices I may use. But it's rare that people ever choose to see past a brace, or a wheelchair. So next time you choose to complain, just remember, what you are complaining about is my everyday life. It is me.