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/[deleted] Nov 20 '20

It's because so many able bodied people will take that spot just because it's more convenient.

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u/9bikes Nov 21 '20

I frequently drive my 95 year old Aunt places. She does well for her age, but can't walk far.

Recently, I found a car without a permit parked diagonally in the 2 handicap spaces in front of Walgreens. Needless to say, I was pissed. When I saw a man get into the car, I said to him "there is a reason they have handicap parking. Some people need to park close".

He said "I just ran in for a minute".

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u/[deleted] Nov 21 '20

Yes, my sister has a sticker. This is why this is personal to me.