Invisible illnesses can take a number of different forms.
From physical conditions which affect bowel habits, to specific learning difficulties that alter the way you process information, living with an invisible condition can impact your ability to work in environments which others find straightforward.
As a result, you can feel like you’re not able to push for the promotion you desire, or to work the same 9-5 routine which others manage easily.
The statistics for people with an invisible condition are high, as 1 in 4 people experience problems with their mental health, while 1 in 8 people have issues with their sight. Whether you have arthritis or repetitive strain injury, invisible conditions affect many of us.
I have a number of invisible conditions. They’re not life-threatening or life-shortening, but they do present a variety of issues.
So how has lockdown helped me? Working remotely means that I can control the environment I work in.
I can work entirely under natural light to prevent migraine attacks. I can control my hydration and sugar levels by eating and drinking whenever I need to. I can rush to the loo whenever necessary, and when the pain in my belly is too much, I can lie down and type on my computer in comfort.
I appreciate that remote working is not possible for everyone, and even within my own job, it will not be possible to work completely from home in the future, but I do hope that employers will work with staff to accommodate their needs going forward – needs which may include home working.