Funny, you don't look ...

[hiddenmuse]

As someone whose chronic conditions are largely internal - except for the rare moments that they like to rear their ugly heads - I do hear that statement a lot.

What is someone with high blood pressure "supposed to" look like?

What is a person living with severe depression "supposed to" look like?

What is an asthmatic "supposed to" look like?

What is an epileptic "supposed to" look like?


Should I be *harrumphing* around town under the burden of the occasionally overwhelming despondency?

Should I be wearing a crash helmet and a padded bodysuit in case I have a seizure?

Should I be weak and vulnerable, like Mikey Walsh in The Goonies because I have asthma?

Should I be 65 years old with blue hair and arthritis before I deal with the bad genetic hand of high blood pressure?




If you haven't guessed - that's me on the right, and Kellie on the left. :-)

Comments

[azraelsdaisy.livejournal.com]

That's funny. You don't *look* like you're wearing a padded suit and a helmet... maybe that's because you're different like everyone else is and that makes you normal.

I can't believe people would say stuff like that. I've had people tell me that I'm not bipolar because I don't "act crazy."

[mom-o-cass.livejournal.com]

oh my gosh, i love your last line. i get that so often.
"Funny, you don't *look* crazy!"
i'm glad to hear that from a fellow bipolar.

[azraelsdaisy.livejournal.com]

Oh yeah, I hear that all the time. "But you seem so *together*"

[hiddenmuse.livejournal.com]

No kidding!

Are we supposed to look a certain way or something? If so, why wasn't I notified of this 20 years ago? I could've gotten the Special Epileptics Uniform and all! ;)

Maybe I could get some kind of discount for wearing a badge that designates me as a crazy person...

[azraelsdaisy.livejournal.com]

A special menu at restaurants kind of like the Senior menu!

[hiddenmuse.livejournal.com]

*snort* I'm almost afraid to even think of what that menu would offer! ;)

[azraelsdaisy.livejournal.com]

Ice cream cones with sanded bottoms so you don't poke your eye out? Maybe pre-cut steak?

I don't know about you, but I don't want anyone else cutting up my food. That's just.... creepy.