Advice on dealing with a chronic illness and education.

Laying around in bed and waiting for doctors appointments gives you a lot of time. For many young people with chronic illnesses this time is spent wondering about their future and trying to plan life around their health. People take being educated for granted but like a lot of other things once you loose that ability you realise how much you really wish you could do it. Finding ways to make it work while balancing all of your other priorities is a really daunting  thought for the person, staff and family.  
I have asked my followers on Instagram @youngpeople_chronicillnesses for their advice on how to cope with education and health to enjoy a better quality of life. 


@Niamh.S.Wedlake
People are going to ask questions and you will be misunderstood, be open and honest about your health. Provide people with helpful links, booklets and your own knowledge. If you use any helping aids and people look at you weirdly just smile, it's curiosity. 
Don't be afraid to ask for help from your peers or staff you deserve it just as much as the person with a broken leg.  Ask to take snacks, pillows, drinks whatever will make your quality of life better. 


@Xo_Kiersten_Xo
Learn to accept that not everyone is going to understand and it will take time for them to get used to it just like it took you time. It's okay to cry about this at home and make it heard that you need more support. Find a staff member who is trying to be empathetic and ask them to help you organise things. They might even be able to inform other staff members of what you are going through. 


@Chronically_Chey
Talk to your guidance counsellor or special education needs coordinator to find out what you are entitled to.   Ask staff to send you work electronically if you have a appointment or aren't feeling able to attend that day. It is helpful to inform staff prior to your appointments so they can prepare this. Maybe keeping a diary of your appointments would be helpful. 


@WheelingQueen
Make sure to have regular meetings with whoever is supposed to support you at school to keep them up to date on the help you might be needing. 


@90Reff
Keep everyone in your support system in the loop when attendance is effected to try to dodge the legal side of missing school. Your reason is valid.  Also find out if there's a place you could go instead of lessons when you're having a bad day. 


@GoldenGateFridge
Do not push yourself too hard. The more you take on the less energy you can spend on the core topics that will get you somewhere. You have plenty of time to take courses on the subjects you like in the future. The more you push the worse you'll feel meaning the less you'll be able to do. Your health is your priority so don't compare yourself to healthy people you've got more going on. 


@Understanding_Louis
Health should be your main priority but keep your education somewhere at the top.  Don't stress about joining clubs and fitting it you can do that after you finish being educated. You need that energy for focusing on giving yourself the best quality of life during this time. Make sure ALL staff are informed  when it comes to your situation. It can be helpful to keep a leaflet or information in your bag incase you have a supply teacher. 


@Gab.Oh
Slaty snacks for nausea!


@Abbys_Fight
Peppermint, gum, mints, nausea sticks and even tea bags are all good things to help with nausea. 


@JustFightingForHealth
Get a health plan from your school. If they won't allow certain things go online and research the laws and rules of your area. Remind them that it looks bad on them if you drop out and tell people it's because they wouldn't accommodate for your needs. Don't worry about making it hard for them if they aren't listening you aren't there to make life easier for them. 


@DunkADunk
Docement all absences and other important things to make sure the school don't try to twist your story if anything needs to be looked over. 


@Chronically_Studying
If you are at university register with the finality office to make your time there easier. 


@Teen_With_Crohns
Get a 504 plan! It makes life a lot easier. 
The 504 Plan is a plandeveloped to ensure that a child who has a disability identified under the law and is attending an elementary or secondary educational institution receives accommodations that will ensure their academic success and access to the learning environment.


@ChronicallyCurious
Share your story! Keeping your health a secret is very dangerous. Try getting a 604 plan to help. Communication is fundamental! Make sure you, staff and family are REALISTIC about what you will and won't be able to do.  Try your best. 


@Chronically_Kate
Get a 504 plan or a IHCP.  Finding a good support system is  a great help. 


@Kiera_Isabel
Inform your teachers or professors  about your health needs incase of an emergency. 


@BendyGiraffe
Communication is key. Keep your back pack filled with things you MAY need. 


@Alayna.Miranda
Take it easy.  If you are being harassed by peers or staff find out the laws about it and inform the school board. You are important. 


@Tebert34
Understand that you only "get it" if you are going through it don't et mad if people misunderstand you.  


@Siamese_SiIlhouette 
College is a lot more flexible with your health needs than school. 


@ChronicallyNiamh_
The school nurse NEEDS to know that you are sick.  


@Hidden._.hippie
Get a hall pass to leave 5 minutes early and 5 minutes late to make sure you are safe!


@DeathMaidene
Take it slow. One hour at a time if you need to. 


&FightForTmrw
Use all the recourses that are available to you. 


@Kirowbaye
Find out the discrimination laws in your area. Harassing disabled people in the UK is a hate crime meaning it is just as serious as racism and should not be taken lightly.  


I really hope that the advice I have gathered helps you or someone you know along the journey of beginning a new chapter of your life. Stay strong and remwmwber to listen to your body!