Why Treating Chronic Illnesses as Disabilities Can Lead to Unhealthy Outcomes for the Disabled

Chronic illnesses often require long-term treatment and management, and for many people, this can mean a disruption in their daily lives. One way that people may try to cope with the challenges of chronic illness is by defining it as a disability. While this may seem like a reasonable way to access support and accommodations, it can have unintended consequences that ultimately lead to poor health outcomes for the disabled.

The medical model of disability sees disability as a physical or mental impairment that should be cured or alleviated. This model emphasizes individual responsibility and encourages people to view their bodies as something to be constantly fixed. Many people with chronic illnesses adopt this medicalized view of their conditions and believe that they need to constantly pursue new treatments, medications, and surgeries to manage their symptoms.

By framing chronic illness as a disability, individuals may be able to access accommodations such as parking spaces, extra time on exams, or a modified work schedule. However, this approach also reinforces the idea that people with chronic illnesses are inherently disadvantaged and in need of special treatment. This can lead to a sense of helplessness and a lack of agency in managing one’s own health.

Additionally, viewing chronic illness as a disability reinforces the idea that people with chronic conditions are inherently different from others. This can lead to social isolation and stigmatization, as people with chronic illness may feel excluded from places, activities, and opportunities that others take for granted. This social isolation can lead to depression and anxiety, which can exacerbate chronic illness symptoms.

Furthermore, framing chronic illness as a disability may discourage people from pursuing treatments that could improve their health. By viewing one’s chronic condition as a permanent disability, individuals may give up on trying to manage their symptoms or seek out new treatments. This can lead to a decline in overall health and an increased risk of complications and secondary health conditions.

Rather than treating chronic illness as a disability, it is important to adopt a social model of disability that emphasizes inclusion and empowerment. This model recognizes that disability is not solely due to individual impairments but also results from societal barriers such as inaccessible buildings, infrastructures, and public attitudes. By advocating for social policies that make life easier for people with chronic illnesses, such as flexible work arrangements, accessible transportation, and affordable healthcare, we can create a more inclusive and supportive society for all.

In conclusion, treating chronic illnesses as disabilities may seem like a way to access much-needed support and accommodations, but in reality, it can lead to negative health outcomes and a sense of helplessness and stigma. By adopting a social model of disability and advocating for better social policies, we can create a more inclusive and supportive society for people with chronic illnesses.