Like an iceberg, the majority of what is happening lays far below the surface.
A smile doesnt always equate to joy.
Illness doesnt always appear as bedridden and frail.
Pepe Cast Zam
Illness can present in a multitude of ways.
Sometimes these ways arent always visible to the untrained eye.
Socialization may be the only reprieve someone gets from their illness.
Sometimes its a necessary distraction for ones survival.
There are countless people struggling with invisible disabilities.
They may face employment restrictions not so obvious to those around them.
Those who are fortunate enough to prove their invisible disability may receive benefits.
These benefits are essential to the basic needs of survival.
Theres a deep internal stigma about the relation between employment and a persons self-worth.
Yet far too often, those on disability are shamed for doing so.
These hurtful judgments are rooted in ignorance.
Its likely they spent quite a bit of time recovering after the fact.
Is it expected that an ill individual become a recluse devoid of any distraction from their suffering?
It has been said that a burden shared is halved.
Having an invisible disability means carrying the burden of proof wherever that person may go.
It means creating a support web connection to help manage the challenges and celebrate the victories.
Having an invisible disability doesnt make it any less real or any less painful.
