Five Key Myths of Communication with Loved Ones While Living with Chronic Illness

by Kristy Brosz, MSW, RCSW

Living with a chronic illness often means juggling physical symptoms, emotional ups and downs, and various practical adjustments. One of the biggest challenges can be effectively communicating your needs and experiences to those you care about. This isn’t just about passing on information; it involves advocating for yourself, managing relationships, and addressing the often invisible effects of your illness that others may not fully grasp.

Good communication is vital for getting the support you need and ensuring your well-being. However, expressing these needs can be overwhelming, especially with the added stress of living with a chronic condition. Whether you’re explaining your situation to a loved one, negotiating changes around the house, or just seeking some extra support on a tough day, how you communicatecansignificantlyimpactyourinteractionsandoutcomes.

Let’s clear up five common myths about communicating with loved ones while managing a chronic illness:

Myth #1: Communication Has to Change Completely After Diagnosis

You might think that everything about your communication needs to shift dramatically because of your illness. While it’s true that the topics of your conversations may change, this doesn’t mean you have to reinvent your entire communication style. If humour was part of your relationship before, keep it alive where it still fits — enjoyed late-night chats before? Find ways to keep them meaningful. Embrace the strengths of your previous communication patterns and adapt them to suit your current situation.

Myth #2: Your Loved Ones Don’t Want to Hear the Tough Stuff

It’s natural to want to shield your loved ones from the most challenging parts of your experience. However, studies show that transparency fosters better communication. Your loved ones are likely to share your concerns and are more likely to offer support if you openly share what you’re going through. Honest conversations can lead to better problem-solving and a deeper connection. Two heads are always better than one, so bring your inner world and experiences with those who care about you the most and allow your communication to grow through this transparency.

Myth#3:YouMustHaveAlltheAnswersWhenAskingforHelp

You don’t need to be an expert in every detail of your illness or know precisely what help you’ll need each day. It’s okay to speak about your needs and accept support as it comes. Your needs may change over time, and that’s perfectly fine. Start with what you need right now and adjust as necessary. Once you begin to ask for and accept help based on where you are,itwillbecomeeasiertoaskforhelpinthenextmoment.