Overcoming Misconceptions and Sharing Narratives of Chronic Illness in Social Interactions”

Chronic disease is a generalised aspect of human experience, which affects millions worldwide and shapes the lives of those who support it. However, simultaneously, the multifaceted nature of these diseases makes them particularly challenging to communicate, both for laity and for health professionals explores the obstacles that people with chronic diseases face when trying to convey their experiences, illuminate social erroneous concepts, the power of personal narratives and the considerable impact on social interactions in everyday situations.  A significant challenge in the transmission of experiences of chronic diseases arises from the prevalent social concepts surrounding these conditions. Many chronic diseases, such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome and mental health disorders, often become invisible. This invisibility leads to the scepticism of others, which can question the legitimacy of an individual pain or fatigue. The misunderstandings proliferate within society through various forms of stigma, where individuals can be seen as lazy or without resilience, since their external appearances do not reflect their internal struggles. Such wrong concepts dissuade people from being open about their experiences, which aggravate the isolation that many feel. As a result, they can withdraw from conversations or social situations due to fear of dismissal or ridicule, further strengthening the separation between those with chronic diseases and the community in general, individuals with chronic diseases frequently deal with the complexities of self-raw. When trying to articulate their experiences, they face the paradox of being seen as; too sick; or not sick enough by their audience. The difficulty of distilling multifaceted experiences in understandable stories presents a unique challenge. For example, a person with Lupus can have difficulty communicating how the unpredictability of shoots affects their daily routines while balancing the need to recognize their experiences. This fight is aggravated by the emotional work involved in the count of personal experiences repeatedly, which can find misunderstandings or indifferences. In addition, each narrative crosses with their own experiences, prejudices and preconceived notions about the disease. The fear of lack of communication leads some people to share less than they feel, resulting in a diluted narrative that cannot capture the depth of their experiences. Personal narratives play a fundamental role in the translation of the complexities of chronic diseases in related experiences. These narratives can serve as a bridge for understanding; However, they are not exempt from challenges. People often find it difficult to establish a connection in the narratives that resonate with their audience. The tendency to generalize chronic disease experiences can lead to the dilution of unique stories, finally undermining the powerful intimacy inherent in individual experiences. In addition, vulnerable exchange can expose people to additional stigma, especially in cultures where strength and resistance are appreciated, which makes the elaboration and exchange of personal narratives a double -edged sword.  The impact of transmitting experiences of chronic diseases extends to the scope of social interactions, where misunderstandings can hinder the ability to maintain relationships. These interactions reveal how chronic diseases can inadvertently alter dynamics within social circles. Friends can fight to understand the limitations imposed by an invisible disease, which leads to frustration, discomfort and sometimes even the dissolution of friendships. For example, an individual in social environments can be constantly explaining their limitations, which can lead to discomfort or pity instead of empathy and support. In addition, feelings of social isolation may occur when attempts to articulate needs and limits are not successful, catalysing a cycle of withdrawal and shame, the pressure of adjusting to the social norms associated with health can push people to exaggerate, which leads to chronic fatigue or outbreaks. This interaction culminates in a phenomenon called impostor syndrome, where people feel that their experiences are not valid enough to justify their limitations. The consequences extend through self -esteem and mental health, since persistent social pressure prevents the ability to prioritize well -being over social expectations, the challenges of transmitting chronic diseases to others are multiple and deeply rooted in social social concepts, personal narratives and the impact on social interactions. People face the discouraging task of articulating complex experiences, often invisible in a context of stigma and misunderstanding. While navigating this landscape, communities must cultivate understanding through education and open dialogues about chronic diseases. The encounters that prioritize listening, empathy and compassion can forge deeper connections and dissolve the wrong concepts, creating an environment where people with chronic diseases feel viewed, heard and understood. Only through this collaboration effort can the broader social abyss be united, which leads to a more inclusive and support discourse surrounding chronic diseases.