Functional Chronic Illness: A Hidden Global Epidemic

We become observers, lost in our own suffering

Across the world, millions of people silently suffer from chronic functional illnesses such as severe fatigue, fibromyalgia, migraines, irritable bowel syndrome, and other conditions with no clear resolution. The human cost of this suffering is incalculable, affecting every aspect of life.

I speak from personal experience as someone who has battled chronic pelvic pain and fibromyalgia, and for the last five years, I’ve been surrounded by others facing these invisible illnesses. The reality is that these conditions often remain unseen by others. In some cases, you might notice subtle changes in posture or mobility, but most of the time, the pain and fatigue are locked inside the person, invisible to the world around them.

Research conducted by Boston University in 2017 found that up to 20% of people globally suffer from chronic pain. This was before the COVID-19 pandemic, which introduced a new post-viral syndrome contributing to a rise in chronic pain conditions. Recent studies, including one by Frontiers in Pain Research, indicate that post-pandemic, the proportion of people experiencing chronic pain has surpassed that 20% mark.

Given that more than 1 in 5 individuals now suffer from conditions like fibromyalgia, migraines, and irritable bowel syndrome, it’s time we start recognizing the broader impact of this suffering. While it’s easy to focus on the obvious—loss of employment, social isolation, or difficulty with daily activities like shopping or doctor visits—there are more personal, heart-wrenching losses involved.

The Hidden Personal Losses of Chronic Illness

My own experience of chronic illness is one of profound and often invisible loss. As my pain worsened, I had to quit my job and stop going out. Walking even short distances became impossible, and sleep overtook much of my day. These are the expected losses with chronic illness.

But what I wasn’t prepared for was the gradual erosion of my most intimate relationships. As the pain worsened, I became a quiet, withdrawn version of myself. My husband watched as his lively, energetic wife disappeared, leaving behind someone who had no energy for intimacy or even meaningful conversation.

The most devastating loss, however, was my connection with my son. He saw me struggling and, instead of adding to my burden, he internalized his problems. It wasn’t until after his GCSEs that I learned he had been bullied throughout high school. He never told me because he didn’t want to make my life harder.

This is the unseen toll of chronic functional illness. People suffering from conditions like fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome often lose their hope, joy, and sense of future. Each day feels like an uphill battle, and the thought of facing tomorrow can be overwhelming.

Life Moves On, Even When You Can’t

While life continues at breakneck speed for others, those of us dealing with chronic pain struggle to keep up. We may still drive, go shopping, or attend work, but none of this comes with a label on our chest declaring, “I’m in pain,” or “I’m exhausted.” Our suffering is silent, and because of that, it often goes unacknowledged. People don’t see the overwhelming fatigue or the countless ways we’ve been forced to withdraw from life. They don’t see the deep, personal losses that accompany chronic illness, nor the profound isolation it creates.

To understand this, people need to look deeper. We must cultivate empathy and challenge the stereotypes surrounding chronic pain and illness. But most of all, we need to educate ourselves and others on the true toll these conditions take on individuals.

Shedding Light on Chronic Illness

Through Unity Body and Mind, my goal is to rip the cover off this hidden suffering and flood it with light. It’s time to bring the realities of chronic illness out of the shadows and help people understand the complexity of living with these conditions. By highlighting the importance of the mind-body connection and supporting holistic approaches to healing, we can bring awareness and hope to those who feel unseen and unheard.

It’s essential to approach healing from a holistic perspective, incorporating both nervous system regulation and mental health practices into the recovery process. By acknowledging the interconnectedness of our minds, bodies, and emotions, we can help create a path forward for those suffering in silence. Whether through energy healing, meditation, or simply better education on the mind-body relationship, we can make a difference in the lives of those battling chronic illness.

Let’s work together to build a world that sees and supports the millions of people navigating chronic pain. Whether it’s through improved understanding, or resources like those offered by Unity Body and Mind, there is hope for better, healthier futures.