Fifty things NOT to say to chronically ill people

Knowing what to say and how to support those around us who are chronically ill can be a challenge, particularly when we ourselves do not understand their plight and carry misconceived ideas about chronic illness, whether it be of a physical or mental nature. The way we react can affect the person’s ability to thrive at work and establish meaningful relationships with colleagues. Odessa Hamilton led an informal survey with a diverse group of people experiencing chronic illness and pooled together a list of comments, some reported as coming from even the most well-intentioned acquaintances.