Chronically sick and disabled people confront various social hurdles. Chronic illness patients have different expectations than acute illness patients. Since duration is the key difference, this is puzzling.
It seems like society is more tolerant of short-term ailments. Society’s focus on productivity, goal-setting, and go-getting may contribute to chronic disease stigma and misunderstanding. Chronic illnesses hinder productivity longer than acute illnesses. Unproductivity is seen as a weakness.
Chronically unwell people may define productivity differently. Never let “productivity” or physical ability determine your value. Acute and chronic sickness patients demand compassion.
The Role Of Rest
Acutely unwell people are advised to rest and recover to feel normal. Rest aids recuperation. However, chronically unwell people are sometimes considered lethargic while resting. They shouldn’t rest.
This may be because acute sickness normally requires rest, and recovery is a goal worth pursuing. Recovery is impossible with chronic sickness. Thus, resting may not help the disease go away.
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The Obligation To Work
Acutely ill people cannot work. People may be advised to remain at home to prevent the spreading of acute infectious illnesses.
However, if someone cannot work due to a chronic disease, it is sometimes perceived as a symptom of not trying hard enough or using it as an excuse, even though it should be just as genuine as an acute sickness.
Who Is Responsible
Acute sickness is generally considered unavoidable. Yet people with chronic diseases are regularly asked what they did to cause their sickness.
Many are told their sickness was caused by lifestyle, nutrition, or stress. As with acute disease, chronic illness is frequently