Why we don't talk about our chronic illness

Enjoyed this episode? Send Kerry a textAfter a while, most people who live with chronic illness give up trying to talk about what it's like and how it feels, because people don't seem to understand. Especially as time goes on and those around you don't see you 'getting better' and can't seem to grasp what 'chronic' actually means. Often, when you do try to explain and seek support, you end up feeling judged, shamed and disbelieved, even by the very professionals who are supposed to be there to help you. You can be told to stop being so negative, not let the illness define you or offered unsolicited advice that seems to completely ignore the complex reality of your illness.So at a time in your life when you are most in need of empathy, compassion and understanding, you can end up feeling more alone than you have ever felt before. In this episode, I go through all of the key reasons why we don't talk about chronic illness.Why it happens, where peoples beliefs and judgements come from and more importantly, what you can do to help yourself when sharing leaves you feeling guilty, judged, blamed and alone. If you have tried talking about the impacts of chronic illness on your life and no one seems to understand, then this episode is for you.Chronic illness is very real and you deserve to be believed and supported.Kerry Jeffery is an award winning Coach and Counsellor who specialises in helping clients online around the world with the emotional issues of living with chronic illness and the impacts it has on their lives and relationships. She lives in Melbourne, Australia along with Hashimoto's, Celiac, Antiphospholipid Syndrome and Type 1 Diabetes. Find out more about Kerry and her Therapy programs here.Book your FREE online Discovery Session with Kerry here.Follow Kerry for daily posts on Facebook here.