How to Bring Happiness to Someone with a Chronic Disease

Living with a chronic disease can make all daily living tasks a challenge, and if getting out of the house, it is easy for them to be “out of sight, out of mind”. Help them not to feel neglect by regularly sending an email, text or tweet-or a card or postcard or even occasionally a small care package in the mail, and don't worry too much if they don't always answer. If they can talk on the phone, call them.

A problem shared is a problem halved, so don’t be afraid to say what is bothering you, whether it is stress at work, concerns about your children or just that you’re feeling under the weather, just don’t compare your situation to theirs, unless you share the same chronic disease, in which case, this can be really helpful and supportive to you both.

You may not always be able to cheer up your friend, and that's ok. Being cheerful all the time can feel like a burden almost anyone whether healthy or have a chronic illness. If you make a plan to meet up, add that if they have to cancel, even at the last minute, that’s fine. This may happen multiple times, but please don’t stop making future plans. When your friend is down, a gift will show you care, even if you don’t fully understand how chronic disease can make you feel. Some yellow roses will brighten up any room and if caring for flowers is difficult for them, try synthetic flowers or gilded flowers in precious metal.

Most chronic conditions do not change, so asking how someone is can be awkward. A simple greeting is to say, "nice to see you." You might try asking how their week or day was: this gives them the opportunity to tell you anything, related or unrelated to health.

Getting out of the house can sometimes feel like an impossible task when you have a chronic illness. Ask if you can come over to watch a movie (or something else low-key that you think the friend would enjoy).

Pick something that you would like to do to help. This could include going to pick up prescriptions, groceries, and whatever other shopping they would like. Take the cat to the vet. Offer to help with paperwork if they are applying for disability or having a review. You don’t have to do everything but asking with a “Would it help if I….?” and you can add that you would like to do that or something that would be useful because you would like to help.

• You need to get out more
• Are you getting enough sleep?
• You sleep too much
• You don't look sick
• Think positive!
• My friend was cured by...
• Yesterday you could... Why can't you today?
• You need to exercise
• I wish I had the time to nap
• You should try this diet