Definition of Chronic Illness
A chronic illness is a health condition that persists for an extended period, and typically requires ongoing medical attention or limits daily activities. These illnesses can affect a person physically, mentally, or both.
- Key Characteristics of Chronic Illness:
- Persistent symptoms
- Long-term management (medication, therapy, lifestyle adjustments)
- Variable intensity over time (e.g., periods of remission and flare-ups)
- Chronic Illness vs. Acute Illness:
Acute illnesses are typically short-term and treatable, while chronic illnesses often require lifelong management and may not have a cure.
Invisible vs. Visible Disabilities
Visible Disabilities
- These are conditions where symptoms or assistive devices are outwardly apparent (e.g., mobility aids for arthritis).
- Visible illnesses often prompt more immediate recognition and support but may still face stigma or misunderstanding.
Invisible Disabilities
- Conditions that are not immediately apparent, such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, or mental health disorders.
- Challenges for Students:
- Others may question the legitimacy of their illness because “they don’t look sick.”
- Difficulty in accessing accommodations due to skepticism or lack of awareness.
Why This Distinction Matters
We need to approach all students with empathy and avoid assumptions based on appearances. Both visible and invisible illnesses can have significant impacts on academic and personal lives.
What is Social Insensitivity
SOCIAL INSENSITIVITY is endemic to the lives of people with invisible disabilities that affect their daily lives, who are likewise deprived of outer symbols to signal their condition, like designated disability seating, parking, and toilets. Cultural stigma has prevented people from identifying as disabled.
“The compounded effects of persistent prejudice and unfair policies have resulted in deep economic and other forms of inequality that keep people with disabilities at a severe disadvantage,” reports the Ford Foundation Center for Social Justice, a $16 billion international philanthropy with offices in the United States and ten regions around the globe.
In 2021, the foundation launched the first-ever U.S. Disability Rights Program, with input from about 200 disability leaders.
The Disability and Health Data System (DHDS) by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 61 million, or 13% of people in the United States have a disability. Of that, approximately 10%, or 6 million, have an invisible disability. 80% of disabilities are non-visible. The disability community is massive and incredibly diverse.
Just because you can’t see it, doesn’t mean it’s not there
The word ‘disability’ evokes images of wheelchairs, walkers, ramps, grab bars and other mobility support devices. However, not all disabilities are visible. Some disabilities are hidden and beyond skin deep. Just because you can’t see it, doesn’t mean it is not there. Because it is unseen and without being able to see an indicator, like a wheelchair or walker, people can dismiss the effects of a medical condition.
This year marks the 34th anniversary of the American with Disabilities Act that was signed into law by George H. W. Bush on July 26, 1990. It protects the rights of people with disabilities, visible and non-visible. The ADA defines disability as any physical, mental, or neurological condition that heavily impacts a person’s movement, senses, or activities.
For a quick overview of the ADA, read “The American with Disabilities Act: A Brief Overview.”
What is an Invisible Disability?
Disabilities come in many forms and not all of them are immediately visible. Sunflower Hidden Disabilities recognizes over 900 non-visible disabilities, They are wide in range and include, but
not limited to:
- Autism
- Lupus
- EpilepsyDiabetes
- Diabetes
- Depression
- Schizophrenia
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHA)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Asperger Syndrome
- Multiple sclerosis
- Dementia
- Bipolar disorder
- Primary sclerosing cholangitis
- Chrone’s disease
- Celiac disease
- Graves disease
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Traumatic brain injury
- Stroke
- HIV/AIDS
Just because you can’t see it, doesn’t mean it’s not there (Cont’d.)
Non-disabilities are unpredictable and disruptive which can throw a wrench in your plans, and often interfere with daily activities.
While some conditions are readily apparent, others lurk beneath the surface, often misunderstood or overlooked by society at large, hidden disabilities can be just as debilitating as their more visible counterparts, yet those who live with them often face unique challenges during daily life, including skepticism, lack of accommodation, and prejudice.
Living with an invisible disability like myself, there are factors that trigger autoimmune flare-ups. They can be mild or severe such as stress, diet, allergies, pregnancy, cold or infection, pharmaceutical medication, seasonal changes, weather, exercise and environmental toxins. During a flare-up, the immune system attacks the body and my symptoms may include fever, chills, abdominal pain, nausea, joint pain and muscle soreness, swelling, weight gain, headaches, hair loss, loss of appetite, blurred vision, digestive issues, and anxiety.
Fluctuating Nature of Chronic Illness
One defining feature of chronic illness is its unpredictable course. Symptoms may vary in intensity or type, making it difficult for students to plan ahead or maintain consistent academic performance.
Characteristics of Fluctuating Symptoms
- Good Days vs. Bad Days:
A student with rheumatoid arthritis, for example, may feel fine one day but experience debilitating joint pain the next. - Triggers:
Flare-ups can be caused by stress, fatigue, environmental factors, or even changes in weather.
Academic Impacts
- Attendance:
Students may struggle with consistent attendance due to medical appointments, sudden flare-ups, or hospitalizations. - Workload Management:
Unpredictable energy levels and cognitive impairment (“brain fog”) can delay assignments or studying. - Test Performance:
Symptoms may peak during high-stress periods, such as exams, leading to challenges in demonstrating their abilities.
Examples
- A student with Crohn’s disease may experience frequent bathroom breaks during lectures, which can be seen as disruptive.
- A student with chronic migraines might miss class entirely on days when their symptoms are severe.