Fourteen things you should say to your chronically ill friend

14 things you SHOULD say to your chronically ill friend

Laura’s Pen asked the chronic illness community what they would like their friends to say to them, here are their suggestions…

I’ve seen a lot of posts telling people what not to say to their friends with chronic illness (including my own poem).

I’ve started to feel that people who say the wrong things and mean hurt probably aren’t going to read such posts, whereas those who love you and mean to be nice but say the wrong thing will.

So in the spirit of us all understanding each other a little better and judging each other a little less, I wanted to give suggestions of what people CAN say to their chronically ill friends.

I’ve collected these suggestions from fellow chronic illness sufferers so there are a variety of approaches.

Please remember, this is a guide not a rule book. These are ideas meant to help you if you are worried about saying the wrong thing or not enough, not a list of things you have to say.

Here are fourteen ideas of things to say to your chronically ill friend:

1. Learn about your friend’s illness, and let them know you’ve been doing it
# 1. Learn about our illness

“I’ve been reading/ learning about your illness. I don’t see how you do it.”

Janice Haynes Houser

2. It’s okay to ask about our illness

“I don’t understand what you’re going through but, if you’re willing to to talk about it, I’d like to try.”

Kate Nettles
Follow on Twitter

Our illness doesn’t have to be the main topic of conversation but should not be shut out or avoided when it comes up as a matter of course.

Just as I ask you about your job, family, hobby, etc., you should feel free to ask “What are your days like”? “Are you still able to [… ]”? and “How are you feeling [emotionally]”? If you’re unsure, you can always say, “Is it okay to ask you about X?” or “How do you feel talking about X?”

Michele Sherstan
Follow on Twitter

3. And it’s also okay to talk to us about your life

Talk about your life. We know you don’t face the same things we do. So it’s okay to talk about your life and struggles.

Tell the funny stories about your coworkers. Come to me for advice. Just be okay if once in a while I want to vent as well because I’m overwhelmed at the “normal” life I’ve lost.”

Lynda Roush
Blogger at CFS ME & Kingdom Living

 

4. Ask how we’re REALLY doing

Ask how we are really doing

“You’re looking well today, but how are you really feeling?

Sam Moss
Blogger at My Medical Musings
Join Sam’s Facebook chronic illness support group

 “I know things are difficult for you. But never feel like a burden. I’m always going to be in your corner”

Emerald Barnes
Blogger at Sweet Tart Beauty
Follow Emerald on Instagram

5. And let us know you’re thinking of us

“I can’t understand how you feel or what your life must be like. But I know that you are going through a tough time. I am here for you. Let me know how I can help.”

Sheryl Chan
Blogger at A Chronic Voice
Read her blog on this topic here
Follow on Facebook

6. Keep inviting us and thinking of us

“It’s okay if you can’t make it but I’d love it if you were able to come.”

Donna Grant
Blogger at February Stars
Follow on Instagram

7. But let us know it’s okay if we cancel because we’re not well enough

“If I’m making plans with friends I love it when they let me know they don’t have a problem with me cancelling on them. They always tell me to let them know in the morning if I’m ok to go ahead.”

Kara McLean
Follow on Twitter.

“Don’t worry about cancelling or getting together today, you’re not a flake and I totally understand. Lets get together for an outing when you’re up for it. But in the meantime, is there anything I can help you with?

Tamsin Hopkins
Blogger at Eco Fluffy Mama

8. And make plans with us that we can manage

#8. Make plans with us that we can manage

Say something like: “What do you feel up to?” when deciding on plans.

Miranda Macfarlane

“Do you want me to visit? We could lie in the dark together. I can even keep my mouth shut, if you need peace and quiet.”

Noa
Blogger at The MeMi Philosophy (posts in English and German)

9. Help us to feel comfortable if we need certain adjustments

“Don’t worry about asking to speak to the chef or not being able to eat the food I made. You being comfortable is more important than trying to people please.”

Jenna Farmer
Blogger at A Balanced Belly
Follow on Twitter

*Things to also consider: if the place we’re meeting is accessible enough/ if there is an easy route there

10. Let your friend know it’s okay if they need a break

“Let’s find a place to sit down.” It might be helpful to develop a playful shorthand, in advance, like: “Now we take a break,” or something, where we both know that this is when we sit and stare into space. Because talking can be exhausting too.”

Anonymous

“I can see you’re tiring, I better go.”

Julie Holliday
Blogger at The ME/CFS Self-Help Guru
Follow on Facebook

11. A text is always appreciated

A text is always appreciated

I have a work colleague who texts me every few days when I’m off for weeks at a time. It reminds me I haven’t been forgotten about.

Beth Edgar
Follow on Twitter

12. And so is the offer of help

My best friend says: “What would you like me to do? And she means it as she will roll her sleeves up or simply sit.

Eleanor R Albaugh
Follow on Twitter

“What support/help can I give you? Every person and situation is different so asking THEM is the single most important question.”

Nicci Fletcher
Blogger at The Voice of Infertility
Follow on Twitter

13.Check in on how we’re doing

“What can I do to make you happy? How are you feeling? You’re a badass. I appreciate you. I’m here if you need to vent.”

Laura

14. And finally, let us know you’re there for us if we need you

“If you ever need help making dinner, want a partner for a Netflix Marathon on the couch or someone to talk to, I’m here. And I don’t judge.”

Casey Cromwell
Blogger at Casey the College Celiac
Follow on Facebook

Since I am now Terminally ill, I find the best thing people tell me is they love me and will be there for me every step of the way.

Anonymous

Thank you to everyone who contributed.

If you’ve got any other things you would like a friend to say to you, please comment below with your suggestions.

Lots of love from,

Laura’s Pen


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14 things you SHOULD say to your friend with chronic illness

Laura Chamberlain

Laura is a writer blogging about living with chronic illness, namely Lyme Disease, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS) and Fibromylagia.

She likes food, cats, bad jokes. Unfortunately, her boyfriend is allergic to the last two...

8 Comments

  1. This is such a fantastic idea, and I love the suggestions! It’s rare you see posts about things to say and do, it’s usually the things not to say. Great post! 🙂

  2. Thank you so much for allowing me to participate in this fantanstic and helpful roundup! 😊

    1. Thank you for taking part! 🙂

  3. This is such a great post, and I love “hearing” from so many voices in the chronic illness community I respect. The one I would add personally, to my friends who are healthy, is don’t forget I’m here for you, too. Friendship goes goes both ways, and I’ll still help you any way I can.

    1. Yes, that’s a great one Kat. I think people sometimes don’t want to complain about their lives because you’re ill, but you’re still their friend and want to be there for them! x

  4. I love this post, thanks so much Laura 💐

  5. When I sent my friend some information to read so that she would understand and stop being so critical, she said “I’m not reading that” I know people and I used to do nursing. I have MS and she never asks me how I am and gets angry if I can’t get up and run when she wants to. Anyway, the very first line of your article says it all. She isn’t a friend at all. She never lets me talk about my illness. She claims to be my best friend, but I’m sure she is a narcissist because honestly, she has never showed any care or concern in the 5 years since diagnosis and even depends on me to serve every holiday dinner to her entire family at my home. I had to quit doing it and she blasted me for using my health as an excuse. Very sad right now, but your right. They won’t read if they are mean.

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