Body Image and Living with Chronic Illness

Our appearance significantly influences how others perceive us, and when our bodies undergo drastic changes due to illness, it can have a profound psychological impact. Those living with chronic illnesses often feel like they're constantly walking a tightrope, trying to balance their physical health with their self-esteem.

The way we look can significantly impact how we feel about ourselves. When illness forces our bodies to change, it can be a difficult adjustment. It's like looking in the mirror and seeing a stranger. This can lead to feelings of shame, embarrassment, and a loss of self-confidence.

Chronic illnesses often come with physical limitations and changes in appearance. These changes can make it difficult to feel comfortable in our own bodies. We may feel self-conscious about our weight, mobility, or other physical features.

It's important to remember that our worth is not defined by our appearance.

Body Image

Chronic illnesses and the side effects of medication can cause weight fluctuations, scars, hair loss, rashes, and deformities and even those that are not seen (invisible) can cause much strain on the self-esteem of those living with chronic illnesses.

Changes to one`s appearance can be very hard to accept as we live in a day and age where outside appearances are equated to how healthy you are. The most recent and public example of this is the online bullying, singer and actress Selena Gomez has faced due to her obvious weight gain due to being diagnosed with

Lupus. Many people with chronic illnesses take a steroid called prednisone, humorously referred to as “the devil`s tic tac”, due to the way it helps with many symptoms but the side effects can hit like a rock to the head.

Adding to the complexities of chronic illness are a group of diseases called invisible Illnesses. These are not noticeable just by looking at a person — but are still extremely painful to live with.

People living with chronic illness experience the journey of going through the convoluted zigzag road of the grief cycle as they long for the body they once had. Skepticism, judgment, and medical gaslighting are things this community faces that obviously do not help the way they show up in society.

“ No pain no gain” has a different meaning for people living with chronic illnesses, the wrong types of exercise can cause pain and lead to a worsening of the disease state.

The frustration is that this information is not often mentioned in the doctor`s office and in communities outside of chronic illness spaces, so one who is newly diagnosed may struggle before finding what works.

Diet changes, food sensitivities, and finding a work out that fits the new body they have is now an uphill battle and often lonely, as they may appear on the outside as if they are not trying hard enough.

How do We Navigate this?

Grief is a human expression of the loss one feels in the heart and it must be acknowledged. The loss of the body’s capabilities, health, looks, and the person you once knew is a valid reason to mourn.

The plan is not to stay there and allow this to take control of our spirit. Body positivity has become a fad word these days but the base meaning of it is to accept the body and person you are now and celebrate it for the things it can do.

These new experiences that you are having with yourself can unlock powerful sides of you that would have never shown up if it were not for your experiences.

As you navigate your journey with chronic illness here are a few tips you should keep in mind”

1. Attend to your feelings about yourself, it is not vain: Feelings of frustration anger, and hopelessness are natural but do not judge yourself for having these feelings what you are going through is hard.

2. Focus on the things your body can do rather than become stuck in the past: Being stuck looking in the rearview mirror will cause you to forget the unique things and beautiful things about your body now. I know easier said than done but it is worth considering. You have to take care of the image looking at you currently.

3. Consider a change in perspective: When those nagging, nasty, negative thoughts about your body appear, grab them by the hair and challenge them. Feed yourself on the strengths you have and celebrate your wins each day big or small.

4. Build a support group: This is the time to cut ties with the friendships that are not serving you anymore and that have the potential to affect your mental health. Surround yourself with empathetic authentic people who love and accept you.

5. Monitor your social media: Social media can be a good escape but too much of it can have you comparing your body to those you see. Be mindful of the people you follow. social media can be a cesspool of unrealistic bodies, beauty standards, and “perfect lives”. Follow pages that get you, make you laugh, inspire you, and empower you on this chronic illness journey.

Remember that your self-worth is not tied to what you look like on the outside if that were the case then all the “beautiful perfect-body people” would be happy all the time. We know that is a lie. Focus on discovering the new you, find fun clothes that make you feel attractive, try a new hairstyle, and create something, surround yourself with people who love all of you.

Chronic illness can rob you of your body, but it can never steal your spirit.