Overview of Invisible Illnesses

By Kristi Patrice Carter

People who suffer from Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Lupus or other “invisible” illnesses often have to overcome public perceptions that can take an emotional and mental toll that is worse than the diseases themselves. Because these conditions are not readily identifiable and the symptoms are so varied, both medical professionals and the public, even loved ones, often look at such diseases with a jaundiced eye. None of us like combating what we cannot see or have control over and this plays heavily into perceptions of invisible diseases and the people who suffer from them.

The key to understanding invisible illnesses is to realize that simply because these illnesses are not easily recognized, diagnosed, or treatable doesn’t mean that they don’t exist. People who suffer from these invisible conditions are forced to undergo a slate of medical tests and examinations just to get their illness diagnosed. In addition, many of their symptoms also mimic other diseases and this makes it even more difficult to get a firm diagnosis. For instance, many invisible illnesses such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Lupus and Fibromyalgia also include swelled joints and joint pain, headaches, fatigue, lethargy and general aches and pains that are more severe and constant than the normal aches and pains associated with our bodies growing older. Additionally, many sufferers also experience a weakened body which is susceptible to mild or severe depression.

The numbers of people who suffer from invisible diseases is not known, but what is known is that the number is estimated to be nearly one of every two Americans or around 133 million individuals. Most, do not realize they are even sick, writing off their symptoms to stress, getting older or just general fatigue. Often, people go through their lives undiagnosed and unaware that they suffer from anything. This often leads others to consider the person as a “hypochondriac” or just sensitive to normal bodily wear and tear. Depression is present in 15 – 20% of all invisible illness sufferers. 

To make these conditions even more complicated, researchers have found common links between chronic invisible illnesses and depression. Whether this is a result or cause of the diseases is a subject that causes intense debate. It is estimated that up to 70% of all suicides are related in some way to chronic invisible diseases. 

The good news is that these types of diseases are getting more and more scrutiny from the medical community. As more and more people have been diagnosed with these types of diseases, the medical establishment has been forced to acknowledge their presence and try to figure out ways of curing these invisible illnesses. Treatment options can range from traditional, such as anti-inflammatory, pain relieving medication to non traditional, such as behavior modification, acupuncture, yoga and other holistic remedies like herbal supplements and Bach flower essences.

Diet has also come into scrutiny as well. There have been several links between pesticides, hormones and antibiotics and the propensity of individuals who consume foods that are treated by them or contain them and several illnesses like Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia. New studies are underway to establish a link between many invisible illnesses and the way our foods are treated. This has led to an increase in organic diets and supplements as a way to ward off disease and deal with symptoms.

In conclusion, invisible illnesses like Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia and many others are real illnesses. Although they mimic other diseases and are difficult to diagnose, they are illnesses just the same!