The Emotional Labor of Proving You’re Sick

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over and over again

But do you know what’s even more exhausting?
Proving you’re sick...


It’s not just the physical pain that drains me. It’s the emotional toll of constantly needing to convince people I’m not lying, exaggerating, or being dramatic. Every appointment, every family conversation, every raised eyebrow when I say I can’t make it somewhere — it chips away at me.It’s emotional labor, and it’s heavy.

’m Tired of Explaining Myself


I’m tired of having to defend why I couldn’t sleep.

Why I cancel plans.

Why I move slower.

Why I look fine, but I’m not.


I wish people could understand that this illness lives beneath my skin. You won’t always see it, but I always feel it.


Sometimes I feel like I’m putting on a show — listing symptoms like a script, pulling out test results, trying to prove I’m in pain just to be believed. And if I cry? They think I’m being “too emotional.” If I don’t cry? I must be fine.


It Shouldn’t Take This Much Effort to Be Believed


I don’t want pity. I want respect. I want space to feel what I feel without judgment.

I shouldn’t have to hand out medical notes to justify my life.

I shouldn’t need to explain my illness in a way that makes people comfortable.


I just want to exist — as I am — without having to prove my pain.


If You’re in This Fight Too…


You’re not imagining it.

You’re not faking it.

You’re not being too sensitive.


You’re tired because you’re carrying your illness AND everyone’s doubts.

That’s too much for one person.


You deserve rest. You deserve to be heard. You deserve love without conditions.


And above all — you deserve to be believed the first time!


Follow me on twitter for updates https://x.com/FlareflourishF



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