My Survival Guide to High School With a Chronic Illness

High school. The time of hormones and puberty. Awkward proms and homecoming dances. Dating “the one” and breaking up. We all know it’s nothing like “High School Musical,” but you can make it as close as possible. If you have any chronic illness and are reading this, school during this time of your life can be hard – it doesn’t have to be that way though. There are certain things we can do to not only survive with our vast array of illnesses and medicines (which may cause side effects that are just as bad as the illness), but thrive in this condition. Here is my foolproof, AP class-proof and even Netflix-proof (you better believe it) plan to succeed in high school with any chronic illness:

1. Have a 504 plan

You can get a 504 plan by talking to your doctor and school nurse. As a part of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, a 504 plan ensures that a child who has a disability attending grades K-12 receives accommodations that will ensure their academic success in school. However, some teachers think 504 plans are special treatments, especially when they can’t see your illness. I swear some teachers have either told me, “You don’t look sick,” “This should be gone by now,” “Your ‘disease’ is really suspicious” or complained about 504 plans with other teachers in the same room I was doing make-up work in. The great thing is that, no matter how salty they get, they have to accommodate your needs because it is the law. Feel free to give them a friendly reminder when they do something like those things I listed before.

2. Don’t abuse it

It is true, though, that some students do take advantage of their 504 plans. The few who do abuse their plans can ruin it for the rest of us; teachers are more skeptical now. So, be as genuine and responsible as possible. If you have a major test and project the day you’re absent, you need to make sure your teacher doesn’t think you’re skipping school. You are in charge of communicating your limitations and needs in high school – not your parents anymore. You have to build a relationship of trust and accountability with your teachers and high school counselor. I procrastinated in talking to my teachers whenever I was sick (because it made me feel guilty), but you need to understand that it’s OK to ask for help (I probably should listen to my own advice).

3. Tell (some of) your friends

Now, I’m not saying tell everyone you know about your illness – kids can be mean, but you really should have at least one trustworthy person in each class who knows. When you’re sick, these people will be your best friends; they’ll be there for you when no one else is, bringing you homework from your absence and giving you pep talks. If there’s one thing I’ve learned throughout high school it’s that you can’t go at it alone. It’s a social experience and learning which people to confide in about your illness will be a life skill. The same goes with the accountability life skill from #2.

4. Use your illness (to your advantage)

I’m serious here. Use your chronic illness to succeed, such as applying to a scholarship only for kids with your disease. Use your chronic illness to write an inspirational college essay about how you thrived through adversity. I even gave a TED talk, “Be a voice, not an echo,” about how I conquered IBD, depression and suicide. You can’t choose what life gives you, but you can choose what to do with it. You have the power to use this illness to, instead of hinder your future, boost your future.

5. Live without regrets

Do not let your illness get in the way of your high school experience. If you have Crohn’s disease and your steroids are making you gain weight, don’t waste your precious time being self-conscious (I know this is easier said than done) – you should still go to that school dance or on that date. You only have four years of high school. These are your last four years of being a kid before paying taxes, getting a job, dealing with medical bills on your own and so many more “adulting” issues. Enjoy high school – it’s over before you know it. Trust me.

I hope this genuinely helps you! Please comment any questions, stories or even tips of your own about having a chronic illness in high school.

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