Some examples of chronic Illness include on-going physical pain, depression, IBS, cancer.
Here are 5 things never to say to someone with chronic illness.
1) Have you ever tried____?
2) I have a great person!
3) Could it be emotional?
4) Are you stressed out?
5) You should just.........
While it's difficult to watch our loved ones suffer (powerless!), and you may have helpful personal insight with the exact same issue, no one ever feels better with such an exchange. Instead, try one of these:
I'm so sorry.
Can I do anything specific?
Over time, people stop sharing daily struggles with their loved ones as the unwanted advice morphs to shame and criticism, making one feel less competent, and ultimately, physically and emotionally worse.