Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Support Group
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) describes a sense of exhaustion and post-exertion malaise, even when you have gotten enough rest and sleep. The disease is characterized by six months of incapacitating fatigue experienced as profound exhaustion and extremely poor stamina, and problems with concentration and short-term memory. The cause is unknown, but it is a...
All of us have experienced the "you don't look sick" line, or the "you don't look disabled" one from people you just meet or even total strangers.
I generally answer such nonsense with, "some disabilities are hidden, and I'd rather not discuss my situation."
But yesterday I was really pushing myself. I have had fence contractors here and I'm stressed, because every little thing is stress and pressure when I'm exhausted. Nevertheless, I went to Wal-Mart for groceries. Wal-Mart is horrible for an exhausted person who has trouble walking, but I can barely afford the food there, let alone anywhere else.
So I parked in a handicapped space with my placard showing, and a total stranger actually told me, "You're obviously not disabled; you shouldn't park there." I said I have an illness you can't see. Then she gave me the "you don't look sick" line, and, feeling quite irritable, I answered "And you don't look stupid."
HOWEVER, and forgive me for taking so long to get to the point, I have some positive news on the awareness front. In the 2010 congressional primaries and the general election, my county made it mandatory for all election officials (including pollworkers and poll deputies) to watch an online video about dealing with voters with disabilities.
The video basically told people what NOT to do, like you shouldn't grab someone's arm or touch them without asking, or you shouldn't push someone's wheelchair when they are doing fine on their own.
But what HEARTENED me greatly was the portion of the video that dealt with "HIDDEN Disabilities."
It actually mentioned CFS as an example. How about that!!
It said, when someone standing in line asks for a chair because they are disabled, you find them a chair, you don't ask them what their medical problem is. Same thing for someone who asks to use the voting machine that is at desk level so they can sit and vote.
I was so glad to see that. They specifically said don't question someone who doesn't look sick or disabled. Take their word for it, because they might have CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME or other "hidden disability."
Thought I'd pass this along. Sorry I'm rambling but you understand the adrenal fatigue, it's all or nothing.
I generally answer such nonsense with, "some disabilities are hidden, and I'd rather not discuss my situation."
But yesterday I was really pushing myself. I have had fence contractors here and I'm stressed, because every little thing is stress and pressure when I'm exhausted. Nevertheless, I went to Wal-Mart for groceries. Wal-Mart is horrible for an exhausted person who has trouble walking, but I can barely afford the food there, let alone anywhere else.
So I parked in a handicapped space with my placard showing, and a total stranger actually told me, "You're obviously not disabled; you shouldn't park there." I said I have an illness you can't see. Then she gave me the "you don't look sick" line, and, feeling quite irritable, I answered "And you don't look stupid."
HOWEVER, and forgive me for taking so long to get to the point, I have some positive news on the awareness front. In the 2010 congressional primaries and the general election, my county made it mandatory for all election officials (including pollworkers and poll deputies) to watch an online video about dealing with voters with disabilities.
The video basically told people what NOT to do, like you shouldn't grab someone's arm or touch them without asking, or you shouldn't push someone's wheelchair when they are doing fine on their own.
But what HEARTENED me greatly was the portion of the video that dealt with "HIDDEN Disabilities."
It actually mentioned CFS as an example. How about that!!
It said, when someone standing in line asks for a chair because they are disabled, you find them a chair, you don't ask them what their medical problem is. Same thing for someone who asks to use the voting machine that is at desk level so they can sit and vote.
I was so glad to see that. They specifically said don't question someone who doesn't look sick or disabled. Take their word for it, because they might have CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME or other "hidden disability."
Thought I'd pass this along. Sorry I'm rambling but you understand the adrenal fatigue, it's all or nothing.
Thanks for posting! Isn't it a shame that we are still dealing with such ignorance from the general public and the medical community?
I think awareness is being raised now since the XMRV thing...and the possibility that our blood may pass CFS along! Now, they're finally beginning to take us seriously.
Lots of awareness still needs to be spread, but your post has put a positive spin on the hope that we all need!! Thanks!
I haven't been challenged, but I actually look forward to the opportunity to educate some poor ignorant soul who "you don't look sick"s me. It sounds great that your government is educating polling workers - I hate feeling like I have to explain to someone why I need a %$#@ chair!
Sounds like it could cut back on some of the difficulty, stress, and time for Wal-Mart runs! I didn't even know that it existed in some places, so some of you may already have access.