But You Don't Look Sick

So here's the problem with invisible illness: you don't look sick.

Now, I am not entirely sure HOW sick you are supposed to look to "prove" you are chronically ill, but I do know that I have not met the criteria.

When a friend or family member breaks a leg, has major surgery, goes through cancer treatment, etc., many people reach out offering help to the patient and the family. People understand that when going through a medical crisis, everyday tasks can take on a whole new level of challenge. So friends and family members offer help with meals, housework, childcare, or just showing up and spending time with the family.

When you suffer from chronic invisible illness, these needs are often overlooked.

So here is my question-how do you ask for help without sounding selfish?

My kids are a great help around the house and my husband does the best he can after working all day, but my house has not been truly cleaned in several weeks.

We have had very few home-cooked meals in the past few weeks because I do not have the energy to cook so when we do manage to eat at home, it is whatever my husband manages to put together after working all day (which is usually delicious, but results in a late dinner hour and too much pressure on him).

I don't want to complain. I am not trying to have a pity party. I just want to shed light on an often overlooked group of people. Those of us with invisible illnesses that significantly impact our daily lives, but we don't "look sick". We don't share about our hardships because we want to be strong and independent. We don't know how to ask for help.

Blessings,
Meri