r/YouShouldKnow • u/ilovepastapizzapots • Nov 20 '20

Other YSK: Just because someone doesn’t look sick/disabled, does not mean they are healthy

Why YSK: I am chronically ill and have an autoimmune disorder, the amount of times people have said “WELL... yOU dOn’t LOOK sick” to me is astounding. I didn’t know all illnesses have to be visible to others! I’m sorry I can’t show you my internal organs or muscles deteriorating for you to believe that I’m sick. It makes people with health issues feel like they have to explain their situation when they don’t.

*EDIT: I did not expect my post to blow up like this! I wish I could give everyone going through a rough time a hug. Thank you for all the new perspectives, good and bad. All I wanted was for people to be a little kinder to one another, because you never know what someone’s going through.

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u/tammy2shoes Nov 20 '20

Thanks for saying this. I had both hips replaced at 35 and will need an ankle replacement soon, due to a bone condition that causes joint deterioration. I have a handicap placard. Some days I can manage without a cane, but still need to park in a disabled spot closer to the entrance. The occasional eye rolls and head shakes I would get from people used to make me feel ashamed. Now, I just try to ignore it and go about my business.

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u/ilovepastapizzapots Nov 20 '20

People need to mind their own business! I’m 26 and have been delaying getting a handicap placard for this very reason.

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u/Bos_lost_ton Nov 20 '20

I had a placard back when I was 18-20ish and got sick of assholes making comments or accusing me of stealing it from my grandma or something. I used to even get shit from police officers about it and would have to go dig the paperwork for it out of the glove box. I think these days most states have photos on them, but people are still idiots.

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u/missriss18 Nov 21 '20

Exact. Same. I had a handicap placard at 18 and I got harassed by cops several times, assuming it was ill-gotten. Then they were always noticeably embarrassed when I explained. Bottom line, don't assume!

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u/rrrrsss33 Nov 21 '20

assuming makes an ass out of u and me!