We all get the talk about peer pressure as kids. They teach us how to resist it, how to help others, and how to recognize when it’s happening. But once we hit adulthood, those lessons seem to vanish into thin air. We’re expected to be wise, mature, and indifferent to others’ opinions.
For nearly a decade, I’ve been grappling with fibromyalgia and just recently added lupus to my roster of chronic illnesses. Nobody warned me that peer pressure doesn’t just stick around in adulthood—it actually intensifies.
Every time I cancel plans or have to bow out early, I can’t shake the feeling of disappointment. I start telling my doctors what they want to hear instead of being honest. Activities I once enjoyed are now a dwindling list. Even when I do muster the energy to go out, I find myself the first to leave, exhausted and worn out. There’s always someone I feel I’m letting down—whether it’s my partner, my friends, or even my neighbors. But the hardest person to face is myself.
Living with chronic pain means you’ll likely feel guilty more often than not. You might push through plans even when you know you can’t handle it, and no matter how many apologies you offer, it can feel like it’s never enough. It’s a heavy burden to carry, but we want to be warriors, not just survivors.
There’s immense pressure to put on a brave face and pretend everything’s hunky-dory while hiding the pain beneath. But here’s the truth: you don’t have to conform to anyone else’s expectations. You are stronger than you realize. I understand what it’s like to walk into work with a smile plastered on my face, concealing the aches and pains. Life is tough, but so are you. Never forget that.
To anyone feeling this weight of the world: don’t beat yourself up. Prioritize self-care, whatever that looks like for you. If that means canceling plans or being upfront about needing to leave early, embrace it. You are not like everyone else, and that’s perfectly fine. Even if you’re living with chronic illness, your strength is immense.
That pressure may never fully lift because we tend to view our conditions as burdens to others. But remember, they inconvenience you too! You don’t deserve to feel guilty about the weight you carry. You have the power to push it off your shoulders and reclaim your joy.
And if you’re curious about self-care and home insemination, check out some insightful resources like this one on pregnancy or this authority on the topic, Cryobaby.
In summary, living with chronic illness brings about its own unique set of pressures that can feel overwhelming. It’s crucial to prioritize self-care and recognize your strength in facing these challenges. Remember, it’s okay to take a step back and put yourself first.