Anyone with a chronic invisible illness (like rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, or Crohn’s disease, to name a few) knows fatigue is maybe one of the worst symptoms. Fatigue is not just feeling tired, like you need more sleep or an extra shot or three of espresso. It’s a kind of exhaustion that feels heavy and physical. You can read about more tips for coping with fatigue here.
Since chronic illness fatigue is not a symptom that others without your disease, no matter how sympathetic they may be, can ever really understand, we rounded up some of the most impactful memes about fatigue and chronic illness from Instagram. When you’re having one of those can-barely-get-out-of-bed kind of days, look these over and know you’re not alone.
When You’re Having a Less-Than-Productive Weekend
Credit: meme_the_sick_away
When ‘Game of Thrones’ Gets You
Credit: meme_the_sick_away
When You Need to Explain Fatigue vs. Being Tired
Credit: spoonie_village
When You Have Fatigue + Painsomnia
Credit: wow_mental_health
When Getting Through the Day Is. Just. Too. Much.
Credit: persistent_joy
When Snuggling in Bed Is Basically the Only Answer
Credit: autoimmunie_spoonie
When People Think They Get It, But Don’t
Credit: brainless_blogger
When You Want to Be Productive, But Just Can’t
Credit: georgiasendojourney
When You Need a Reminder that It’s OK to Rest
Credit: makedaisychains
When Showering Is About All You Can Handle Today
Credit: spooniestruggles
When It Takes You Awhile to Recover from Said Shower
Credit: niceochain
When Your Mornings Are the Worst
Credit: rethinkdep
When You Need a Reminder that You’re Doing Just Fine
Credit: raewithme
When a Sloth Is Your Spirit Animal
Credit: chronically.strongg
When You’ve Learned Your Own Limits
Credit: thechronicills
Many of the patients and bloggers and meme creators we interview (see this interview with Cat King, or this one with Melanie Mourt) say that finding online communities, especially on social media sites like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, have been game-changing for them. We encourage you to check out the accounts credited here for ongoing support and community online.
