A wheelchair is a traditional symbol for disability, but most disabled people are not in wheelchairs nor have other visible signs of their disability. In fact almost all disabilities and chronic illnesses are invisible. When you go to work in the morning, there may be several disabled people in the bus, even if you don't know it. Perhaps some of your co-workers are disabled, too, unbeknownst to you.
Even cancer can be invisible. Many people with cancer have no outwards signs of their illness. Not all are receiving chemotherapy and even those who are do not always lose their hair (and many of those who do chose to wear wigs). Weight loss is a common side effect of cancer treatments, but not all cancer patients are thin and frail.
Invisible illnesses have a definite gender bias. For example CFS/ME, fibromyalgia and most autoimmune diseases are much more common among women. Some invisible illnesses like endometriosis and vulvodynia only affect females. But many men and children are also affected.
Types of Invisible Illnesses
There are many kinds of invisible illnesses. They can be divided into groups such as neurological illnesses, psychiatric illnesses, chronic pain conditions, digestive system diseases and autoimmune diseases, but many illnesses fall under several labels. For example, many neurological illnesses are autoimmune and painful.
Examples:
- epilepsy
- HIV/AIDS
- chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME)
- fibromyalgia
- most autoimmune diseases (except for psoriasis and alopecia)
- irritable bowel syndrome
- Asperger's syndrome
- mood disorders
- insomnia
Some of these illnesses can also cause visible symptoms, for example a facial rash and hair loss in lupus and swollen joints in rheumatoid arthritis.
Symptoms causing disability in invisible illnesses include:
- fatigue
- pain
- muscle weakness
- cognitive impairment
- impaired vision or hearing
- dizziness and lightheadedness
- poor tolerance to sitting and/or standing upright
- frequent need to go to the bathroom
- food, chemical and mold allergies/intolerances
- sensitivity to light, sound and/or vibration
- problems communicating with others
- depression
- anxiety
Problems with Invisible Illness
Many people have trouble realizing that disability can be invisible. This can cause problems with e.g. disabled parking. Some disabled may occasionally need to use a wheelchair, but are able to walk short distances. This does not fit the traditional view that wheelchairs are only for the paralyzed. Someone taking the elevator to the second floor is not always lazy. Even a young person may have impaired hearing.
The way a person looks is not a very good indicator of health. Many people with invisible illnesses hate to hear that they are "looking fine", as often they aren't, even if they appear that way. People may smile and look happy - even be happy - and still feel ill. It is better to ask someone how they feel instead of assuming.
With invisible illnesses it is often difficult to qualify to receive disability benefits. There are functional tests to prove disability, but any results can be accused of being fabricated. It is much easier to show that one is able to do something than the lack of such ability. Insurance companies are not charities, but companies that aim to make money.
Even doctors may not know how to react to invisible illnesses. Many chronic illnesses have unspecific symptoms like fatigue, malaise and headaches. Some symptoms can be completely bizarre and if the doctor doesn't recognize them, it is easy to suggest that it's "all in your head".
Friends and family may adopt similar attitudes of disbelief, because it is difficult to understand someone is disabled if they feel there is no evidence for it, especially if the level of disability fluctuates from day to day. Lack of support can feel worse than the actual disability.
