Image management for women with chronic illness in the various aspects of life

Abstract

Image management for the chronically ill woman in her various roles in life is, at best complicated and at worst can be a nightmare. This is particularly the case for those with unseen chronic illnesses. The 'unseen' aspect of illnesses such as multiple sclerosis, crohn's disease, arthritis and chronic fatigue syndrome (to name just a few) mean that individuals devote considerable energy to the process of managing the way they are seen and perceived in the various facets of their lives. Concepts such as ‘passing’ and ‘covering’ are important aspects in the management of a chronic illness. The manner in which individuals employ these 'tools' to manage their image in the different aspects of their lives is impacted significantly by the social reactions of family, friends and colleagues to their illness. This paper examines a narrative of a woman whose chronic illness flared for a period of months and how she approached the management of this sudden and unprecedented flare at work, at home and with friends. Discussion will address the theories relating to illness, specifically chronic unseen illness and the sick role and why it doesn’t explain well the process of an invisible chronic illness. This paper explores the reality of unseen chronic illness and its impact on the roles of women at home, at work and with friends.