How do I tell my family and friends about my autoimmune disease?

It’s not always easy to talk about your health and it often becomes tiresome to explain your health condition to everyone. The best way to communicate about your autoimmune disease to your friends and family is, to be honest and straightforward about your condition.

Tips:

Give them facts
Hearing and understanding that you have an autoimmune disease can be difficult for family and friends, especially since there are no noticeable symptoms. Educate family and friends about your specific autoimmune disease, suggest resources such as websites or organisations that deal with your condition.

Let it sink in
It will take time for your family and friends to adjust to learning about your diagnosis. A variety of emotions can be expressed when knowing about the challenges and uncertainties that you face. Time is of the essence and they will gradually come to terms with your diagnosis.

Avoid placing blame
Different symptoms will flare up, which may lead to you taking your frustrations out on family and friends. Doing this will not help and will only cause loved ones to become defensive. Instead of saying things like, “You always ask me to do things when I’m feeling weak,” tell your loved ones, “I feel weak and I could use your help today.”

Get them involved
Consider allowing family and friends who are facilitating in caring for you or taking a special interest in your wellbeing to come for health care visits. These places can serve as a resource to family and friends for more information and questions they might have.
Being open about your condition with family and friends will allow them to better understand what you are going through.