Written by: Koren Brosnac
Developing a chronic illness changes your life. One day you might be active, healthy, and full of energy—and the next, you're in and out of doctors' offices, hospitals, ambulance rides, and struggling to get through each day. The most unexpected part? It can happen to anyone, at any age, at any time. Sadly, no one is immune from developing a chronic condition.
When you’re first diagnosed, life can feel incredibly uncertain. You may not know anyone else with your condition. People might not fully understand what you’re up against, and overall, you can feel very alone. Over time, though, you might become more comfortable sharing your experience or joining support groups. That usually comes with a sense of acceptance—but that acceptance takes time. I know because it happened to me.
I’ve never been fully healthy, but at age 16, things really started to shift after I was diagnosed with endometriosis. At the time, I didn’t know a single person with the condition, and that made it harder to navigate. As I got older, I began to “collect” conditions—one after another. Eventually, I decided to take matters into my own hands and started spreading awareness online. To my surprise, so many people began reaching out to me for guidance. It began to feel like my pain had a purpose.
That’s when I realized that while there are so many hard parts about living with a chronic illness, there are also some very real silver linings. Here's a look at both.
Many people struggle with showing true empathy—especially toward those who are sick. Being chronically ill has taught me how to deeply understand and care for others going through similar challenges. That empathy is one of my greatest gifts.
I’ve learned so much from researching my own conditions over the years. I’m also a nurse (though unable to work in that field currently), so between my lived experience and medical training, I’ve become a stronger self-advocate. I no longer let doctors dismiss me or minimize my symptoms.
Creating a safe online space for those with chronic illness has become incredibly important to me. It’s helped others feel less alone—and it’s also been deeply therapeutic for me. Sharing our journeys can build community and create change.
Living with a chronic illness forces you to develop a type of strength you never imagined. Even on your hardest days, you learn how to keep going. That kind of resilience isn’t taught—it’s earned.
When life becomes unpredictable, you begin to truly appreciate the small, peaceful moments. Things that once felt ordinary now feel sacred. A good day, a belly laugh, a moment of pain-free rest—those are the things you start to cherish most.
One of the hardest things is how symptoms can change at any moment. You might feel okay in the morning and be bedridden by afternoon. It makes making plans feel nearly impossible.
Living with chronic illness can be incredibly isolating, especially when others don’t understand or accommodate your needs. Social events, relationships, and even daily interactions can feel distant or difficult.
Chronic illness is expensive. Between medications, procedures, mobility aids, and inconsistent income due to flares or disability, the financial stress can be overwhelming. It’s rarely talked about, but it’s very real.
The emotional weight of chronic illness is heavy. Depression, anxiety, and trauma from medical experiences are all too common. When you're constantly dealing with symptoms, appointments, and uncertainty, it’s hard to stay mentally strong.
It's exhausting when others, including medical professionals, dismiss your symptoms or don’t take your pain seriously. Medical gaslighting and misdiagnosis are sadly part of many of our stories—and it adds to the burden we carry.
Asking for help can feel like a loss, especially when you were once able to do it all yourself. Whether you need help cooking, getting dressed, or getting to appointments, that shift in independence is tough to accept.
Living with a chronic illness is full of highs and lows. It tests your limits, but it also reshapes you into someone stronger, more compassionate, and more aware of what matters most. The struggles are real, but so are the lessons, the resilience, and the moments of light that come from community and connection.
If you’re walking this path too, please know—you’re not alone. Your story matters. Your strength matters. And your voice can help make this invisible world more visible for all of us.
Follow my journey: TikTok @korenbrosnac IG @korenschronicjourney
0 comments
The most-loved pieces that blend comfort, quality, and style. These favorites are tried, true, and perfect for your everyday wellness journey
