Julia said 10 years, 7 months ago:

So yes, this week, from September 9-15th is National Invisible (Chronic) Illness Awareness Week. Makes me a little tired to say that whole thing, but technically that’s what it’s called. This year’s theme is centered around the phrase: “I choose to __”, with people filling in their own endings for the phrase. I personally like to say that I choose to have hope no matter what life brings. What do you choose?

Now, contrary to popular belief, invisible illnesses are everywhere. According to the invisible illness week website, so yes I am quoting them and if the information is incorrect then I am not trying to make up this data, nearly 1 out of 2 people have a chronic condition. Additionally, about 96% of chronic conditions are invisible. That is quite the large percentage. So why are people uncomfortable to talk of their illnesses, when they are so common? Why do so many people suffer in silence?
Link to more statistics: http://invisibleillnessweek.com/media-toolkit/statistics/

Want SOME examples of these invisible illnesses? Try this link: http://www.disabled-world.com/disability/types/invisible/

Also examples (if you don’t want to click on the above link but were still curious)
Allergies and Food In-tolerances, Arthritis, Cancer, Chronic Fatigue, Fibromyalgia and Chronic Myofascial Pain, Depression /Mental Illness, Diabetes and Blood Sugar, Digestive Disorders; Example IBS, colitis, Celiac etc., Eating Disorders, Ehlers Danlos Syndrome EDS & HyperMobility Syndrome GHS, Headaches, Migraines, etc., Heart Conditions inc Dysautonomia, Infertility, Lupus, Lyme Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Neurological Diseases, Pain Management, Rare and Orphan Illnesses, Secondary Medical Issues, Sjogren’s Syndrome, Thyroid Disorders. Taken from: http://pliableinhishands.com/invisible-illness-awareness-week-seriously-can-you-really-not-see-it/#sthash.Z0ABNTRk.dpuf

I would love to hear anyone’s opinion on my questions, particularly why invisible illnesses don’t get much awareness and possibly, hopefully, what you can do to raise awareness! Even little things like commenting on or tweeting the invisible illness website is participating and getting out the word. What will you choose?