Are you a mother with a chronic illness? If yes, then you understand that our body struggles with physical limitations that ebb and flow. If you are struggling with symptoms of a chronic illness, then you are inevitably going to have good days mixed in with bad days. Unfortunately, that is the nature of a chronic illness.
Over the years, I’ve come to the realization that there are MANY things you should never say to someone struggling with a chronic illness, in particular to a sleep deprived, physically exhausted, mentally despaired, frazzled new mother, who is also suffering from the compounding effects of a chronic illness…
Here are a few suggestions for what NOT to say to a mother with a chronic illness:
- “I am just as tired as you are.”
- “You don’t look sick!”
- “You MUST be feeling better because I see you are running around with the kids.”
- “Have you tried holistic treatment?”
- “Have you tried going gluten free? Dairy free? What about trying vitamins?”
- “Why can’t you bring the kids over to see me/us?”
- This coincides with 6. “Why can’t you do ‘x’ activity with us today – since you did ‘y’ activity with them yesterday!?”
- “I hope you get well soon.”
- “You look great!”
- “Thank goodness it’s not cancer.”
Have you ever been frustrated with something someone said to you about your health and well-being, in relation to your chronic illness? In a perfect world, wouldn’t it be nice if everyone knew the right thing to say to everyone, all the time? What are some things that you would rather hear?