My friend has a TBI. She was in an accident over a year ago and has had many spine and neck surgeries and has debilitating neuro issues. She still works and travels for work and has a family but in in the ER at least once a week. We were talking last night bc we were supposed to go out and she backed out due to a sick kid but I knew it was bc she was having physical issues. We talked and I told her to be honest with me and just say she is not up to going out. I told her that with my bipolar I wished I could openly say that, and how guilty I feel and a burdon to my family. She says she feels the same way (she has very little memories from before the accident) about guilt all the time.

Then I told her that I felt guilty telling her my problems bc hers seem so much worse and more "real". And this is when it hit home. I don't blame her or shame her for her health issues- she didn't ask for them. Yet, I shame me for mine bc I feel like it is my fault for having them.

Anyone else feel guilty for having an "invisible" illness?