There have been times when depression has made me feel invisible, as if I were all alone in the world. Perhaps that's because depression is an invisible illness. When people look at us, we look fine to them. They don't see a wound or bruises. We don't need crutches or a wheel chair. So we must be healthy. Right?
In a recent online survey, 53.27% of the respondents said that the most frustrating or annoying comment people make about their illness is "But you look so good!" Lisa Copen, founder of National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week commented,
- "Although telling someone they look good is often seen as a compliment, it feels like an invalidation of the physical pain or seriousness of one's illness and the suffering they cope with daily."
Participants in the survey reported the following other annoying comments people tend to make:
- "Your illness is caused by stress." (14.22%)
- "If you stopped thinking about it and went back to work..." (12.42%)
- "You can't be in that much pain. Maybe you just want attention." (10.95%)
- "Just pray harder." (9.15%)
Arghhhhh! 
September 10-16 is National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week. For more information, please visit www.invisibleillness.com.
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