Invisible illnesses advance silently: what are they and how do I know if I have one?

"Invisible" illnesses are medical conditions that have no obvious symptoms . These patients appear healthy and tend to confuse specialists . What are they, and how can you tell if you have one?

According to a report published on Harvard's official website, these conditions can encompass several health conditions, such as heart failure, cancer, diabetes, depression or dementia, chronic pain, nerve damage, or difficulty thinking or remembering, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, multiple chemical sensitivity, depression, anxiety, among others. Due to the lack of symptoms, this is a difficult condition to detect, but you'll obviously need to pay close attention to the signs that may persist. For this reason, it's essential that you listen to your body's signals so you can receive the necessary support. (See more: They Don't Fail: The 5 Homemade (and Infallible) Poisons for Rats and Mice) It's quite possible that in support communities or online you can meet other people who are also going through a difficult time. This social interaction will allow you to feel supported and even encouraged.

How should you support a patient with an invisible illness?

Wisantor, a website specializing in health issues, emphasized that a completely healthy person is capable of providing help to a patient with this type of condition . To do so, it will be necessary to educate themselves about their condition so they understand the symptoms they are experiencing. Furthermore, they must be patient, as their symptoms are unpredictable.

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You can also offer help with daily activities such as cleaning, grocery shopping, and even cooking. Emotional support can make a difference for individuals who, due to the complexity of their condition, tend to isolate themselves or even become depressed.