If You've Ever Been Told You Don't 'Look' Sick, These 14 Memes Are for You

Invisible illness can be a bit of a double-edged sword. On one hand, it can be nice to keep your health issues private, only sharing them with others when you’re comfortable doing so. But on the other hand, many people hold the misconception that you must “look” sick in order to be sick – which can lead to unfair judgments and false accusations.

It can be frustrating and stressful when you’re experiencing an onslaught of symptoms yet appear totally healthy – but many people have also found the humor in it, too. Honestly, the contrast between how we may feel on the inside and look on the outside can be so extreme it’s (almost) comical.

If laughter helps you cope with the struggles of invisible illness, you might enjoy the following memes:

1. When your health is deteriorating but you’re trying to stay calm:

2. When people are surprised to learn you’re sick:

3. When having invisible symptoms means you can pass as healthy:

4. When people ask how you are and you respond “I’m fine”:

5. When your insides are screaming but you’re used to it:

6. When people don’t understand what “invisible” means:

7. When you’re still rocking your good looks, even with chronic illness:

8. When your face is smiling but your body is not:

9. When your doctor says you look healthy and sends you on your way:

10. When people still think all illness looks the same:

11. When you cope with being sick by pretending to have fun:

12. When you tell someone what really goes on in your body:

13. When you’ve perfected that fake smile for pretending you’re “fine”:

14. When people think “invisible” means “faking”: