Em·pa·thy
- noun 1. identification with the feelings of another
I don't know about many other patients with a chronic illness, but isn't empathy what we all need? Whether we're striving for it from someone else, or understanding anothers condition. I sense a lack of empathy in my life. When I tell someone I have headaches, their mind goes right to that cliche. You know the one I'm talking about... The slight annoying pain you get from a hangover, or from stress. Not the debilitating pain I feel from a day to day basis. I'm not trying to be mean when I say this, but I wish I had another word for my condition. When someone says "cancer", you know right away what that means. What this person goes through. The empathy is right there, the understanding comes right out. Saying "headache" doesn't bring that type of response. Neither does "migraine". It may for some people, but in my life, w/ my surrounding people it doesn't!
I just want people to understand me. Accept me for who I am. Not think of me as some kind of outcast. I feel as if I should be thrown away on an island, never to be thought of again. Others treat me with no dignity, like I'm not a human. I'm some sort of animal with a contagious disease. Example, no one hardly asks how I'm doing. I don't know if it's due to the fact they don't care, or if they don't know HOW to ask. Seriously, how hard is it to ask 3 little words?! I know I'm being very bitter, but I'm sick of being sick!! I'm disgusted with others. Why am I not good enough to be asked, "What's up?".
I guess what I'm trying to get at, is everyone has issues. Everyone is fighting something. I just wish people wouldn't be so quick to judge one another. Don't jump to conclusions. If you don't understand something, don't judge it. Ask & I will gladly pour my heart out!!
"Remember this: Nobody has it easy. You never know what people are going through. Every one of us has issues. Everyone is fighting a battle."
2 comments:
I've got the same problem. No one hardly asks about my migraines, but if I have a cold, they ask lots of questions about my welfare. To me it doesnt make sense.
No it doesn't! I noticed more people ask now that ive thrown it down their throats. Like twitter & facebook. But it kind of feels like I'm asking people ti ask me, you know? Like pity... Either way it's frustrating. Only the people who know about chronic pain, headaches, migraines are the ones who will ask about your pain. BECAUSE THEY CARE!! LOL
K8
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