There’s a lot that’s unknown about chronic illnesses. While this is true with those who live with chronic illness, it’s even more true with those who don’t. At Step By Step Wellness and Weight Loss, I understand that there are many misconceptions about chronic illness. As someone who provides chronic illness coaching in Virginia, I can help to dispel some of these myths.

Outward appearance reflects inward feelings

Whether it’s a good day or a bad day, sometimes it’s just easier to put a smile on your face and go about your business as much as you can. However, some of those who see you throughout the day will take a smile as an “all clear” and act like you’re fine. It would be nice if this were true, but it’s not. There are times that physical or emotional pain can be hidden with a positive outward appearance while there’s a storm of pain on the inside.

Resting before an event means more energy

There’s no way to “bank” energy, especially if your body uses it up immediately to battle a chronic illness. An individual who lives with a chronic illness understands what it means to be exhausted and getting more rest isn’t always going to fix that. Be aware that it’s not always realistic to expect someone with a chronic illness to have an extra pep in their step simply because they got some extra rest before going to a special event.

Meditation is a certain cure for chronic illness

Meditation is a great way to help treat certain illnesses. It can help to put the mind at peace and create a mechanism to cope with the illnesses. Meditation, however, will not cure a chronic illness. To understand what a person living with chronic illness goes through, you have to understand that there’s a battle raging within their body that cannot be cured with a clear mind alone. Yes, meditation can help, but it won’t get rid of the problem.

Chronic illness gets better over time

Our bodies fight illness every day. From battling the common cold to infection, there’s much that our bodies can destroy before we get sick. A chronic illness is not the same because it can sometimes be the body fighting against itself as a cause of the illness. Conditions like Rheumatoid Arthritis, Crohn’s Disease, Lupus, and others are what are referred to as autoimmune disorders that are caused by the body’s immune system fighting against the body. While these conditions can be managed to minimize symptoms, they won’t get better over time or go away.

Home is where the chronically ill want to be

Home is the easiest place to rest. Home is typically the most comfortable place to be. But this doesn’t mean this is where someone with a chronic illness wants to be all the time. Keep in mind that even though someone has a chronic illness, they’re still a regular person and people like to go out and do things. If someone with a chronic illness is spending their time at home, it’s typically because the illness makes it difficult to go out, not because they want to spend their time there. Instead, an individual with a chronic illness would rather spend their time out with friends and family living their life.

Chronic illness brings only bad days

After everything we’ve said before, it might feel like chronic illness is a source of continuous bad days of mental and physical being. This isn’t the case. Fortunately, there are still good days. While medication or management might come with daily tasks, the pain that comes with it isn’t. If you have a friend or family member who lives with a chronic illness that takes a toll on their life, you can help them take advantage of the good days and live them to the fullest.

Get a wellness coach

Get in touch with Step By Step Wellness and Weight Loss today to get started on your journey to a healthier and happier you. I’m here to help you with chronic illness coaching in Virginia. Give me a call at 703-230-0100 or send a message to get started.