7 Helpful Ways to Support Someone with a Chronic Illness
A chronic illness is a long-term health condition that usually persists for three months or more and often requires ongoing medical management. It develops slowly, may worsen over time, and often does not have a complete cure.
Chronic illness can be debilitating, especially when a person is unsure how long they will have to cope with it. Not knowing how long a person will have to live with the chronic condition can lead to feelings of helplessness and negatively impact mental health.
Some examples of chronic illnesses are:
- Anxiety
- Bipolar Disorder
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Ulcerative Colitis
- Fibromyalgia
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
A person with one of these conditions likely needs support from significant others. So how can you assist a person you love who has a chronic illness? Read the seven ways to help and support a person with a chronic illness below.
1: Avoid Toxic Positivity
Framing things through an optimistic lens can lead to more harm than good. Toxic positivity means fixating on and expecting only happy and positive expressions. A more helpful phrase in response to feelings of sadness is “Your feelings are valid.”
2: Avoid Giving Unsolicited Advice
Avoid leaning into giving unsolicited advice. It can come across as critical rather than suggestive. The person may want to vent, but is not looking for advice.
3: Ask Them What They Need
Make sure you ask a person directly what it is they need or want by initiating a conversation. Do not become discouraged if they do not give you a direct response. Some people may struggle to articulate their needs.
4: Listen to What They Need
It is important to listen actively to the person when they are sharing things about their illness. You may have opinions on what is best for them, but ultimately, they are living with the condition, and their perspective matters regarding their care.
5: Research the Illness to Understand it Better
It helps to become more informed about the condition. Do research online and ask a medical professional for more information. Not everyone living with it experiences the same side effects, and what affects one person may not affect another.
6: Avoid ableism
Do not discriminate against a disabled person and avoid making insensitive remarks and taking insensitive actions that are unsupportive. For example, planning activities that aren’t feasible for the person with the chronic illness, or inviting them out to eat without researching the restaurant to see if they can accommodate food allergies, if they have them.
7: Be Empathetic
Show support and connect with your loved one to make them feel cared for and seen. Let them know you are trying to understand their feelings and thoughts.
The Takeaway
Chronic illness can happen to people of any age, but older adults may experience a higher risk of getting certain chronic illnesses that can come with limitations, both physical and mental. The experience can be overwhelming.
When you are a caregiver, it can put a strain on your relationship with the person who has the illness. It is important to take time for self-care to avoid burnout and be prepared to provide support.
Feeling overwhelmed by caregiving? Your needs and emotions matter, too!
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by Jill Case Brown
