Raw and Unmasked - What Women With Chronic Illness Really Do to "Look So Good"
I read an amazing article the other day from Arianek.com entitled, "Pretty/Sick: How Chronic and Mental Illness Affect Our Body Image and Complicate Beauty" (http://arianek.com/prettysick-how-chronic-and-mental-illness-affect-our-body-image-and-complicate-beauty). In the piece, Ariane explains what it's like to have a chronic illness and not be taken seriously because of her appearance.
Most women with chronic illness have to wear a mask. I'm sure men with chronic illness also do this, but I'm focusing on women in this post because I'm much more familiar with our particular "tricks of the trade" so to speak.
If you know a woman with a chronic illness and you …show more content…
There are contouring, shadowing, and lining techniques that automatically make eyes look brighter.
Hair loss
Losing hair is a very common occurrence in those with autoimmune disease. The stress of the illness can lead to a condition called alopecia areata, causing patchy hair loss, sparse eyelashes, and thin eyebrows (http://healthonabudget.com/how-to-grow-eyebrows-naturally-if-you-have-thin-hair/) .
It's easy enough to use a volumizing conditioner, thickening mascara, and an eyebrow pencil if hair is thinner than it should be.
This doesn't mean the problem doesn't exist, however, we're just doing whatever we can to temporarily cover it up.
Skin rashes
Inflammatory skin rashes are common in those with autoimmune conditions, especially eczema, psoriasis, and celiac disease. Depending on where the rashes are, they can be covered up with clothing or kept under control with an anti-inflammatory medication. The symptoms, however, are still there beneath the surface.
Inability to gain weight
Chronic gastrointestinal problems and thyroid disease can cause people to have difficulty gaining …show more content…
Chronic illness is never enviable. You don't want it. Trust me.
The Struggle is More Than Physical
Chronic illness usually comes in three types, neurological, autoimmune, and mental. None of these are better or worse to have than another. In addition to experiencing pain, feelings of isolation, and exhaustion, the person may also show signs of depression, irritability, anxiety, and lack of interest.
For example, you may find your friend "zoning out" while talking to her about a promotion you just got at work. It doesn't mean she's not listening or doesn't care. She's either hampered by brain fog, taking an involuntary sensory break due to sensory overload, or is reaching the end of her ability to keep up her "healthy" appearance.
In addition to making sure we look good so as not to attract judgment, looks of pity, or unwanted questions, we also have to make sure we act like we feel good.
This means putting a great deal of effort and concentration into smiling, looking lively, focusing our attention, keeping up with the flow of conversation, and fighting the overwhelming urge to yawn and close our
I read an amazing article the other day from Arianek.com entitled, "Pretty/Sick: How Chronic and Mental Illness Affect Our Body Image and Complicate Beauty" (http://arianek.com/prettysick-how-chronic-and-mental-illness-affect-our-body-image-and-complicate-beauty). In the piece, Ariane explains what it's like to have a chronic illness and not be taken seriously because of her appearance.
Most women with chronic illness have to wear a mask. I'm sure men with chronic illness also do this, but I'm focusing on women in this post because I'm much more familiar with our particular "tricks of the trade" so to speak.
If you know a woman with a chronic illness and you …show more content…
There are contouring, shadowing, and lining techniques that automatically make eyes look brighter.
Hair loss
Losing hair is a very common occurrence in those with autoimmune disease. The stress of the illness can lead to a condition called alopecia areata, causing patchy hair loss, sparse eyelashes, and thin eyebrows (http://healthonabudget.com/how-to-grow-eyebrows-naturally-if-you-have-thin-hair/) .
It's easy enough to use a volumizing conditioner, thickening mascara, and an eyebrow pencil if hair is thinner than it should be.
This doesn't mean the problem doesn't exist, however, we're just doing whatever we can to temporarily cover it up.
Skin rashes
Inflammatory skin rashes are common in those with autoimmune conditions, especially eczema, psoriasis, and celiac disease. Depending on where the rashes are, they can be covered up with clothing or kept under control with an anti-inflammatory medication. The symptoms, however, are still there beneath the surface.
Inability to gain weight
Chronic gastrointestinal problems and thyroid disease can cause people to have difficulty gaining …show more content…
Chronic illness is never enviable. You don't want it. Trust me.
The Struggle is More Than Physical
Chronic illness usually comes in three types, neurological, autoimmune, and mental. None of these are better or worse to have than another. In addition to experiencing pain, feelings of isolation, and exhaustion, the person may also show signs of depression, irritability, anxiety, and lack of interest.
For example, you may find your friend "zoning out" while talking to her about a promotion you just got at work. It doesn't mean she's not listening or doesn't care. She's either hampered by brain fog, taking an involuntary sensory break due to sensory overload, or is reaching the end of her ability to keep up her "healthy" appearance.
In addition to making sure we look good so as not to attract judgment, looks of pity, or unwanted questions, we also have to make sure we act like we feel good.
This means putting a great deal of effort and concentration into smiling, looking lively, focusing our attention, keeping up with the flow of conversation, and fighting the overwhelming urge to yawn and close our