My lupus flared up again and I had to miss my nephew's birthday party, and my sister-in-law made a comment about how I'm 'always sick when it's convenient' and I don't know if I should defend myself anymore.
More people experience this than they realize.
The invisible nature of chronic illness creates ongoing tension between authentic self-advocacy and the exhausting need to prove legitimacy to skeptical family members.
“Where Are You with Chronic illness and identity?”
If this sounds familiar, the Library can help you find the bigger picture.