What not to say to someone with chronic illness?

Validation is not: Saying “you'll be fine” or “at least you're young” or “it can't be that bad” or “but you don't look sick.” Validation is: Saying “I understand that *insert chronic illness* can be debilitating.

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What not to say to someone with serious illness?

8 Things NOT to Say to Someone with a Chronic Illness
  • 1. “ You're probably just stressed” ...
  • 2. “ You should do yoga” ...
  • 3. “ It could be worse” ...
  • 4. “ Just don't eat gluten, you'll be fine” ...
  • 5. “ You should do _____, it worked for me” ...
  • 6. “ I think you should talk to someone” ...
  • “Are you sure you can't eat that?” ...
  • 8. “

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What do you say to someone with chronic health issues?

10 Things to say to someone with a chronic illness
  • 1) I wish I knew what to say, but I care and I'm here for you. ...
  • 2) I believe you. ...
  • 3) Can I bring you food? ...
  • 4) I know how hard you're trying. ...
  • 5) Don't feel bad if you have to cancel plans at the last minute, I understand.

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What not to say to someone with an autoimmune disease?

Ahead are seven things you should avoid saying to someone who has a chronic illness to help ease some of this unnecessary suffering.
  • “You don't look sick.” ...
  • “Aren't you worried about taking meds long-term?” ...
  • “You can't be that sick if you've managed to work this whole time." ...
  • “It could be worse.”

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What not to say to people with chronic pain?

What not to say to people with chronic pain
  • You need to take it easy.
  • We're limiting pain medicine.
  • Sorry, your pain isn't sticking to schedule.
  • You don't look like you're in pain.
  • Oh, you poor thing.
  • I need a note from your doctor.
  • Suck it up.
  • Let me know if I can help you.

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What NOT to Say to Chronic Pain/Chronic Illness... 🤷🏼‍♀️

40 related questions found

What aggravates chronic pain?

Stress intensifies chronic pain. Negative feelings like depression, anxiety, stress, and anger can increase the body's sensitivity to pain. By learning to take control of stress, you may find some relief from chronic pain. Several techniques can help reduce stress and promote relaxation.

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How do you emotionally support someone with chronic pain?

Provide emotional support.

Listen when needed, offer emotional support and encourage open communication about their feelings and experiences. Help them seek professional help if needed. Understand that chronic pain can be unpredictable, and the person may have good and bad days.

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What aggravates autoimmune disease?

Foods to avoid include grains, legumes, dairy, processed foods, refined sugars, industrial seed oils, eggs, nuts, seeds, nightshade vegetables, gum, alternative sweeteners, emulsifiers, and food thickeners, said Romano.

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What can trigger an autoimmune response?

The exact cause of autoimmune disorders is unknown. One theory is that some microorganisms (such as bacteria or viruses) or drugs may trigger changes that confuse the immune system. This may happen more often in people who have genes that make them more prone to autoimmune disorders.

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What makes autoimmune worse?

People who are around certain things in the environment — Certain events or environmental exposures may cause some autoimmune diseases, or make them worse. Sunlight, chemicals called solvents, and viral and bacterial infections are linked to many autoimmune diseases.

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What is the emotional response to chronic illness?

ANGER AND RESENTMENT

Patients often become angry when they recognize their loss. The anger might be directed toward God, their parents, the physician, or even themselves. Children with a chronic condition sometimes become manipulative and feel they should never be punished.

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How do you keep a positive attitude with chronic illness?

Talley says to try something new. “Take up a new interest,” he suggests. “This will help shift your focus from the illness, and teach you that there is still much that you can do, new horizons in life to explore, despite the illness.” “This helps keep things in perspective,” Dr.

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How do you enjoy life with chronic illness?

How to Live Well With a Chronic Illness
  1. Get emotional support. Many people with chronic illness struggle with depression. ...
  2. Follow your doctor's plan of care. ...
  3. Make small changes to your diet. ...
  4. Keep moving. ...
  5. Drink more water. ...
  6. Listen to your body. ...
  7. Focus on your goals. ...
  8. Manage your stress.

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How do you comfort someone with a disease?

5 Ways to Support a Friend with a Serious Illness
  1. Step 1: Listen. When you hear of someone struggling with an illness, reach out. ...
  2. Step 2: Listen Some More. Next, you need to ask if they want talk about their illness. ...
  3. Step 3: Be Helpful. ...
  4. Step 4: Be Uplifting. ...
  5. Step 5: Stick Around.

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What not to say to someone in hospital?

8 Things To Never Say To Someone In The Hospital
  • "You must be getting so much rest!" ...
  • "I completely understand what this is like." ...
  • "It could be worse" or "I don't think it's serious." ...
  • "You're so lucky you get to binge-watch Netflix!" ...
  • "Have you tried eating organic?" ...
  • "Think positively!" ...
  • "You look tired/old/a mess."

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How do you comfort someone with medical problems?

Tiwari adds that you might offer more support if the illness is more serious.
  1. Offer emotional support. ...
  2. Ask questions. ...
  3. Offer to help with chores. ...
  4. Ask what not to do. ...
  5. Say what's in your heart. ...
  6. Remind them how important they are. ...
  7. Be honest about not knowing what to say.

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What foods calm the immune system?

Foods for Calming Autoimmune Disease Symptoms
  • Leafy Greens. Caffeine and stress deplete magnesium, so incorporating food sources that add these nutrients back into your diet is increasingly more important in our fast-paced world. ...
  • Turmeric. ...
  • Broccoli and Cauliflower. ...
  • Salmon. ...
  • Berries. ...
  • Sauerkraut.

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What are 5 common symptoms of an autoimmune disorder?

Common symptoms of autoimmune disease include:
  • Fatigue.
  • Joint pain and swelling.
  • Skin problems.
  • Abdominal pain or digestive issues.
  • Recurring fever.
  • Swollen glands.

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What bacteria causes autoimmune diseases?

One such bacteria, called Enterococcus gallinarum, is normally found in our gut but can be harmful if it spreads elsewhere in the body. A recent study from Yale School of Medicine found that E. gallinarum can evolve inside mice at risk for autoimmune diseases and gain the ability to spread from the gut to the liver.

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Why are eggs bad for autoimmune disease?

However, eggs also contain proteins and cholesterol, containing pro-inflammatory properties. Moreover, some egg proteins are also prone to molecular mimicry, appearing as harmful foreign substances. Potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant, and other nightshade vegetables are off-limits for patients with autoimmune disease.

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Does stress worsen autoimmune?

Psychological stress is reported to be a risk factor for autoimmune diseases, including Graves' disease and rheumatoid arthritis. Different types of stress and the length of time that stress is present might also affect the presentation of inflammatory autoimmune disease.

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What does an autoimmune flare up feel like?

Many types of autoimmune diseases cause redness, swelling, heat, and pain, which are the signs and symptoms of inflammation. But other illnesses can cause the same symptoms. The symptoms of autoimmune diseases can come and go. During a flare-up, your symptoms may get severe for a while.

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How does chronic illness affect relationships?

Partners Experience Losses

They may lose prior ways of being together in relationship, as symptoms limit activity types and levels. They may lose social connectedness with others, as illness requires more of a home-bound life. They may lose sexual connection, as illness saps desire.

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Is chronic pain lonely?

Pain makes us turn inward

These inward-turning feelings can increase social isolation and loneliness. Many people who suffer from chronic pain find it very difficult to explain their feelings to those who do not suffer and may shut down even further. It's a vicious cycle.

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What to do when someone you love is suffering?

Ask questions, listen and be present—but don't try to take on their pain.
  1. Recognize that you can only offer the support of your presence and assure them repeatedly that you are there for them.
  2. Suggest that the person talk to a professional.

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