Member-only story
Invisible
Normalizing Compassion for those with so Called Invisible Disabilities
I’m not one to sit around and stop living my life because I live with Chronic Pain, and often because pain is not visible people discount it. They think because it is not seen it’s not valid. There are aspects of my condition that are more visible than others and days when it is more evident, but just because someone does not see it does not mean the pain is not there. It does not mean I don’t struggle with the reality.
It’s hard living with a Chronic condition of course, but you learn to adapt and adjust and you certainly learn to listen to your body. You prepare for the harder days, but the thing that is hard to get used to is the way some treat you. I am blessed with a supportive group of people but even so, I do experience the other end of that.
I was sitting in the car one day a few years ago, when someone reported me from illegally using the handicap parking spot, never mind that I hadn’t even gotten out of the car, I ended up showing the officer my paperwork that showed I had every right to park in that spot, and was sent on my way.
But to often people are quick to judge and make assumptions and believe me I understand there are those illegally parking in those places, and if I am having a good day I’ll often opt to park somewhere else, but that does not mean my disability…
