Stigma keeps many with chronic health issues in a hidden struggle
Report shows millions hide conditions like MS to make others more comfortable
A third of adults live with chronic physical conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS), but in most cases these conditions aren’t obvious to others — and many people downplay their impact to avoid making those around them uncomfortable.
That’s according to a new report from Convatec, a medical products and technologies company focused on helping people manage chronic health conditions. The report shows “millions of people feel they need to hide their health conditions in plain sight,” according to a press release from Convatec.
The company said these findings underscore the need to raise awareness and reduce stigma for people living with chronic physical conditions.
“Chronic conditions are a global reality, yet many keep their struggles hidden. Our findings show the urgent need for genuine understanding and practical support required,” said Bruno Pinheiro, president and chief operating officer of ostomy care at Convatec.
Study finds chronic illness more common, less visible, than many think
For the report, Convatec worked with a third party to conduct a nationally representative study of adults across the U.S., U.K., Germany, Italy, and Brazil. Out of more than 10,000 respondents, 1 in 3 reported living with a chronic condition.
The most common chronic health conditions included metabolic issues such as diabetes, heart conditions like high blood pressure, and diseases like arthritis that affect the muscles and the skeletal system. Neurological disorders, including MS, comprised 15% of the respondents with chronic illnesses.
Despite being common, most chronic conditions were not visible. More than half (57%) of respondents said their condition isn’t noticeable to others unless they disclose it, and another 27% said it’s only apparent during symptom flare ups or specific situations.
Only 11% said their condition is usually noticeable to strangers. These data highlight a “critical truth: chronic conditions are more prevalent than many people think,” the report states.
Awareness varied widely among conditions. Nearly all respondents said they knew at “least a little” about cancer, but fewer than half were familiar with conditions affecting continence, such as ostomy — a surgical opening that allows waste to exit the body.
The survey also found notable disconnects between public perception and the actual experiences of people living with these conditions. For example, 82% of people in the general public — versus 41% of those living with a physical chronic disorder — said chronic conditions can impact a person’s ability to work.
Public misconceptions add to challenges
In general, the “public often assumes that individuals with physical chronic conditions are more dependent and limited than they actually are,” the report states.
The report said this type of misunderstanding “isn’t just inaccurate, it’s harmful,” because it “can lead to discrimination, social isolation, and a diminished sense of self-worth for those affected.”
Nearly half of people with chronic physical conditions reported feeling misunderstood or dismissed when talking about their health. Many also reported feeling their condition is often minimized or misunderstood in healthcare settings.
Because of the associated stigma, many people with these conditions try to hide them. In fact, 59% said they sometimes downplay their health issues to avoid making others uncomfortable.
“This quiet self-censorship speaks volumes about the emotional labour involved in caring for not just the condition itself, but also the reactions of others,” the report states. “It highlights how stigma can pressure individuals to mask their struggles, even when support and understanding are most needed.”
Recognizing how common chronic health problems are “is the first step towards reducing stigma, improving care, and building systems that support people with dignity and understanding,” the report says.
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