'I’m just ill – respect me for who I am'

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-46830730

 

This attitude is pretty amazing given the fact that most humans who ever lived died of disease in childhood.

The belief that there is such thing as being too young to be sick is so bizarre.

 

Excellent lived experience article.

A health practitioner told me I seem too happy to have "chronic fatigue syndrome".

About the attitude "you're too smart to be disabled". Very early on with ME I needed a wheelchair when I had the flu. While in a public place, a fellow, I guess thinking he was being very open minded and friendly, spoke very loudly, and slowly to me using simple words. Apparently, if one is in a wheelchair, one is also hearing impaired, and mentally challenged.

 

Well, I'm too young, pretty, and smart to be disabled and yet I am.

 

I became ill just over a year after getting married. I was still working, but it was a struggle. One lunch hour, a chiropractor and long-time family friend saw me and my husband walking outdoors during lunch hour. At my next appointment he said: "Anyone who can look at their husband that lovingly can't possibly be sick". I was gobsmacked.

So, to add to the list of things we can't be (young, attractive, happy, smart, healthy "looking"), we also can't have good relationships.

 

@MsUnderstood, good grief, what a bizarre comment from your friend.

 

Basically: you're not allowed to be happy, even for a moment. Also: you should do acceptance therapy, it will cure you. And I don't believe your "vague" diagnosis that can't be tested for so you definitely have the vaguest possible diagnosis that can't be tested for.

 

I was completely white headed by the time I was 24. My husband has never looked his age. He has pushed me in my wheelchair since I was 35. Imagine the comments...

Calling me his mother, well maybe, but his granny