Self-image & chronic illness: How do you keep your chin up?

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Somya.P

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03/03/2025 at 19:46

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Somya.P

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Last activity on 21/05/2026 at 17:47

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Hello everyone,

Living with a chronic illness can have a major impact on self-image, whether the condition is visible or invisible.

🔹 For those with visible symptoms (scars, physical changes, mobility aids), feeling judged or stigmatized can be challenging.

🔹 For those with invisible illnesses, the struggle often lies in being misunderstood or not taken seriously.

No matter the situation, finding ways to build self-confidence and accept changes, both physical and emotional, can be key to improving well-being.

👉 How has your chronic illness affected your self-image?

👉 How do you handle judgment or misunderstanding from others?

👉 What has helped you accept or embrace your body and emotions?

@Keith1959 @Beediel @Diligaf @Martyo @teebird @Cynthia East @Kendra 24 @Vvoornth @Sandra duckett @nuskap @Keith447 @jaynedebra @Katrinka @Eduardosgirl @pauline66 @Accord3 @Streetlypoodles @Julie1960 @Patr1ck @Juneyred @LariGun @fernster @Seasider @jamesm @kaskas1 @Martina1956 @jumping @karenalder @wolfgang @Daisyxx @firpoalan @joannehawkins1060 @topcatno4 @elu060 @Mairead67 @Patavery2106 @Dannit @LynnieMP @Whiskers @Joannejoan @SandreneHarley @Sheridan @Redsusieq @Mcampbell3 @Vee2018 @pandatiger @Mark10 @Wellington37 @Hotdog12 @Brookey @jieyang-en @Kelso532 @Caramac @Tammcg @mighal602 @DJ4853 @Devney @Bigtrev @Davidwillets @David70 @nicky40 @Deb1966 @JohnToulou @JohnHeath @Jacqueline22 @weylyndean51 @Polosky24 @Elizabethmccomb @GillianForster @LittleK @Sj5465 @Tazdevil62 @Karfew @oldgit77 @Mandatedmay @Coby1957 @Vasant @FIFIMOC @Kim603 @Joefre @blackcabmike123 @Folioc @Diamonds @Mattcat @Helen0604 @Michael4 @Mustang @Ruth5168 @AnnePike @mandymoo1961 @shirtz @Brian123 @Laura67 @StanBarton @guitar.mike @Sandrakilburn @Crozi61 @baggieboy @DragonKing @Kaboose

Let’s open up and support each other in this journey. 💬💙

Take care,

Somya from the Carenity team 🌼

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jamesm

03/03/2025 at 20:42

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jamesm

Last activity on 14/05/2026 at 18:57

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I have various illnesses which are affecting my way of life I deal with them by going for walks being with friends sometimes sitting in quietness eg by a river or reading or listening to music

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J Macpherson

Self-image & chronic illness: How do you keep your chin up? https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/other-discussions/good-to-know/selfimage-chronic-illness-how-do-you-keep-your-chin-up-5625 2025-03-03 20:42:57

fernster

03/03/2025 at 20:56

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fernster

Last activity on 14/05/2026 at 23:45

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At one time my only illness was Asthma, then i was diagnosed with Anxiety, then Arthritis . My mental heath took a huge dive with the Arthritis diagnosis. I try to keep moving, I exercise, go for walks to clear my head. The best release i find is reading. I value the chance for some quiet time with my dog. I have realised sitting for a while and doing very little is as beneficial for the mind, as exercise is for the body

YorkshireJayne

07/05/2025 at 07:05

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YorkshireJayne

Last activity on 13/05/2026 at 06:52

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My health issues do not define me, they are not the entirety of my being, they are just something that I have to put up with and they do not rule my life. My image is the same as it was before it all began, I like to look nicely put together when I leave the house and refuse to allow something as trivial as autoimmune issues and cancer to stop that.

I talk about them if I am asked and don't push my symptoms at anyone who will listen; I have always been a glass half full type of person and flatly refuse to allow pain and other symptoms to change that.

I have had friends and friends of theirs who have accused me of "laying it on" even my brother said that to others; it hurts when people don't believe me, but I have nothing to prove to anyone. I know that what is going on inside my body is real and if you don't believe me, that's your problem, not mine!

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Life is for living, do it, no matter what!

Self-image & chronic illness: How do you keep your chin up?

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