Looking for Connection and Understanding

I felt this way too. It’s hard especially when no one around you understands. I’ve had so many friends/family undermine the severity of how bad my health is. I’ve had to learn that no matter what that my health and mental health comes first. With accommodations at first I didn’t wanna be to much but when I realized without them I felt so scared and stressed in places like school/work that it consumed me. I realized I was not being to much but perfectly reasonable. We need AND have the right to accommodations. One time at school I had a horrible flare and all I could do was cry. I felt so embarrassed and scared. That’s when I decided I’m gonna get all the accommodations I need and not sugar coat any of my symptoms anymore. Chronic illness is hard. People have such a hard time understanding especially when you don’t “look” sick. My physiologist has been encouraging me to speak up for myself especially with family when people think I’m being dramatic or undermine my condition and honestly it’s helped. Its crushing when the people closest to me don’t give me the support I need from them as a loved one. Do you know what they think/feel about it? Sometimes it’s best to be open and chat. I’ve learned most of the time when people give me a hard time it’s because they aren’t well educated about your sickness / didn’t realize the severity.

Thank you! You’re so right @blackcatluna, everyone has needs and everyone’s needs are different! That really helped put a lot into perspective for me. My family and friends want to support me and they are willing to help me with my needs/accommodations just like I want to help them with their needs and accommodations. They can be the wind in my sails on days I don’t have energy, and I can be the water that helps support them and their boat (life). Hahaha I hope you enjoy the analogies cuz that’s basically how I think in my brain lol But seriously, thank you! 😄💐

Girl I feel you 100%

I’ve definitely felt this way before! Reading this made me think of times when I’ve gone out to eat or done something with a friend and getting a sense of urgency to go to restroom and taking awhile. When this first started happening to me, it really affected me with thinking I was “too much” too, but I’ve learned that our needs (even though they may look different than others) are just as important as anyone else’s needs! And at the end of the day I bet your family and friends want to support you! So I highly doubt that anyone thinks you are too much, but I totally understand that mindset. Making new changes/accommodations is hard. But I believe that no one is ever too much for things outside of their control!