Empathy, Care, and Understanding: Supporting College Students with Chronic Illness 

By Kylie Risley

Fall 2023

As a college student, every day brings a new challenge of waking up and getting ready for class. The thought of another day filled with lectures and assignments can be overwhelming, mixed with excitement and dread. However, for college students with chronic illnesses, learning and connecting with others can be challenging. Many students with chronic illnesses must manage their symptoms and attend many appointments while also trying to maintain their academic achievements. This poses many challenges along the way, as not only are they navigating life as the everyday student, but the unseen challenges must also be navigated without breaking their stride as a student.    

What is Chronic Illness?  

Although it may not always seem evident, around 14% of college-aged students suffer from ongoing chronic illnesses and pain. It is a condition that persists over a prolonged period and requires consistent medical attention, which can significantly impact an individual's quality of life. The World Health Organization defines chronic illness as "a condition of long duration and is the result of a combination of genetic, physiological, environmental and behavioral factors." Common chronic illnesses include asthma, diabetes, autoimmune and kidney disease, endometriosis, epilepsy, and other chronic health conditions. The impact of these conditions can differ from person to person.  

While some chronic illnesses are visible, such as those requiring a mobility aid, many are not. This can make it difficult for others to understand the impact that chronic illness has on an individual's life. Chronic illness can cause fatigue, pain, cognitive impairment, and other symptoms that are not always apparent to others. It is crucial to acknowledge chronic illness as a hidden disability. Knowing this, we should strive to create an all-inclusive society for everyone. As allies for those with chronic illness, we have the power to break down the walls of misunderstanding and encourage others to educate themselves to create a more inclusive environment, especially when at school.  

Understanding what chronic illness entails and how it affects those around us is a critical first step. Chronic illness can take a toll on a student's physical and mental health, as well as their emotional well-being. Showing empathy and care towards those facing these challenges, we can provide them with immense comfort and support. Listening to their concerns and fears can significantly impact their feelings. Having support and feeling appreciated and valued can substantially improve one's ability to cope. Ensuring that students with chronic illnesses have the necessary support can help them succeed academically and manage their health.   

Understanding Chronic Illness   

Students with chronic illnesses face often-overlooked struggles. Educators and peers must be aware of the challenges to work towards a more supportive and inclusive environment. Students with chronic illness at North Central College provided a list of everyday challenges they face during the academic year: 

  1. Difficulty in participating in extracurricular activities.    

  2. Worrying about the impact of their condition on their future goals and aspirations.    

  3. Needing frequent breaks during classes or exams.   

  4. Receiving medication or medical treatment during the school day.   

  5. Not being able to attend specific events due to symptomatic effects.  

  6. Lack of access to buildings on campus, including dorms.  

  7. Inability to eat the food in the dining hall owing to dietary restrictions, yet they have not been able to get off the meal plan.  

  8. Imposter syndrome on the days when they have a better day.     

It is essential to recognize that simple, mundane tasks can be quite taxing for others. What may seem easy for you can be extremely hard for those with a chronic illness. We should all strive to be more mindful and considerate of our language when describing something as easy or difficult. We should also celebrate the little things and show those suffering that we are proud of them, even if all they did that day was get out of bed. When asked how these struggles affect them, a student from North Central College, stated, “It makes my social battery die very quickly, and my emotional dysregulation gets worse, which can change the way I am feeling fairly quickly.” She is one of many students suffering from a chronic illness, and these challenges are likely to continue on college campuses across the globe.  

Therefore, it is vital for schools to provide the necessary accommodations and support to help these students overcome their challenges and achieve their academic goals. Some minor changes that could be made to make it more accommodating include providing more time between classes, a flexible class schedule, breaks, and more. Being supportive is also crucial; take the time to ask someone how they are feeling or make a simple gesture that would make their day. Doing so creates a more welcoming environment for everyone and can build new relationships. Individuals managing chronic illnesses need a safe and supportive environment. They should feel free to express themselves without worrying about being criticized or judged.  

Building a Network of Support  

It can be challenging for those who do not experience chronic illness to understand the mental burden it places on someone. An article by the National Institute of Mental Health indicates that chronic illnesses can increase the likelihood of developing a mental health condition. Mental illness is to be taken very seriously. Receiving a new diagnosis or feeling stressed about treatment can significantly affect the mental health of those with chronic illnesses. During such times, friends and family must acknowledge the emotional impact and offer empathy and support. Caring and understanding can help those manage their feelings and cope with their challenges.  

Showing genuine empathy and support for those struggling with their chronic illness can be done quickly. “Just allowing them to process their difficulties as well as allowing them to know they are seen and heard while working with them to explore solutions allows them to feel connected and understood," says Danna Young, a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). It is also good to mention that just looking out for students with chronic illness and noticing the slight changes they are making can significantly impact their life. For instance, if you share a class with someone with a chronic condition, you can inform them of upcoming assignment deadlines and ones they may have missed. Although other students can help assist in other challenging areas, accommodations require coordination with professors and faculty. Doing so will remove their worry for that class, and they can focus on the material. These changes play a huge part in the functioning of those with chronic illnesses and can make their everyday life smoother.  

Understanding Rights 

Knowing the legal rights and protections is essential when requesting and receiving accommodations. This information can be found in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which outlines the rights and regulations of individuals with disabilities in various areas, including employment, education, and housing. It is a legal obligation for schools to provide accommodation for students with chronic illnesses. 

Receiving a new diagnosis or feeling stressed about treatment can significantly affect the mental health of those with chronic illnesses. During such times, friends and family must acknowledge the emotional impact and offer empathy and support.

Ensuring Accessibility and Effectiveness of Accommodations 

If you know someone with a chronic illness, it is important to be supportive and help them in any way possible. Encouraging college students to seek disability services can make the process easier. Ensuring their academic needs are met can help them succeed despite their illness. Depending on the type of illness, students may require various levels of support. According to the U.S. Department of Education, a student with a long-term chronic illness like cancer might need a class schedule that will allow them to rest and recuperate from chemotherapy.  In contrast, a student with kidney disease might need more time to get to class daily because of muscle cramps or shortness of breath.  

As allies, we should guide individuals with chronic illnesses in requesting accommodation and meeting their needs. Additionally, allies need to educate themselves about the specific needs of the student's condition and how it might impact their academic performance. By doing so, allies can help students with chronic illnesses achieve their academic goals and succeed in their educational endeavors. In an interview with North Central College’s Student Disability Service Coordinator Samantha Korzen, she states, “Chronic illness diagnoses are on the rise and currently make up the second largest group of students served at North Central College. It is typical for Student Disability Services to process one to two requests for accommodations based on chronic illness each week.” Chronic illness occurs more frequently than commonly perceived.  

Navigating through the accommodation process and offering support to someone with a chronic illness can be overwhelming at first. However, there are simple ways to provide guidance and assistance. Knowing where to begin or how to help a friend can be challenging. To ease this process, here are some helpful tips for allies to guide those with chronic illness through the accommodation process:   

Break the Stigma

Living with a chronic illness can be a lonely and isolating experience. Not only do individuals face physical limitations, but they also often encounter a societal stigma that can make them feel misunderstood or judged. However, it is essential to recognize that chronic illness is neither a choice nor a reflection of one's character or worth. Breaking the stigma surrounding chronic illness requires education, empathy, and a willingness to listen to those who are affected. Supporting and advocating for individuals who are dealing with chronic illnesses is of utmost importance when it comes to reducing health-related stigma. 

Communicate Effectively 

Effective communication is critical to receiving the necessary accommodations. Be clear and concise when discussing the needs of those with chronic illness with supervisors and professors. Ensure fitting accommodations are supported by appropriate documentation based on their condition type. A precise diagnosis and open communication can significantly improve the navigation process of helping those with chronic illnesses. 

Seek Support    

Don't hesitate to reach out to Student Disability Services for resources and support during the accommodation process. North Central College, for example, has a robust support system for students with disabilities and chronic illnesses through the Office of Student Success in the Student Disabilities Services department. This department provides various accommodations for students to use to ensure their success. Students can also gain assistance through interacting with their success coach, and other campus resources like student affairs or even a professor can lead you in the right direction. An essential resource to use when going through the accommodation process is friends who are true allies and those in their close circle. In addition to the resources available on campus, numerous resources are available off campus.  

Build a Supportive Community on Campus    

Attaining higher education can be a daunting and isolating experience for any college student. Individuals with chronic illnesses may experience these feelings more frequently due to external stressors related to their condition. They may feel particularly alone and unsupported in their journey to achieve their academic goals. According to Danna Young, LMFT, “Building a positive support system to assist those with chronic illness in guidance, processing their difficulties, assisting with their health conditions, and just providing them love and a sense of nurturance can be extremely helpful.”  

Creating a supportive environment on campus for students with chronic illness is crucial for their academic success and well-being. Ensuring they feel included and supported is essential and requires effort from the entire campus community. This could involve educating faculty and staff about chronic illnesses or creating support groups on campus to help students cope with the challenges they may face. The CDC offers six strategies to help teachers address the needs of students with chronic health conditions.  

Family members and caregivers also play a vital role in creating a supportive community. A study states that family members are uniquely qualified to be effective for many reasons. This study targeted the importance of behind the scenes of a student with chronic illness. Family members are often the first to notice symptoms and are in frequent contact with their loved ones. Having a like-minded support system is crucial to their health journey. By working together, we can ensure that every student feels valued and supported, regardless of their health status.  

Conclusion  

Recognizing the challenges that individuals with chronic illnesses face is crucial. We need to strive to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for them by understanding how chronic illnesses affect their physical and mental health. This understanding enables us to offer support and comfort to help them manage their academic and health-related goals. As allies, we must work towards building a safe and welcoming environment where individuals feel free to express themselves without fear of judgment or criticism. Showing compassion and understanding towards those grappling with chronic illness is essential to helping them navigate their emotional and physical struggles. Remember that even small acts of kindness can significantly impact creating a more inclusive and accepting environment that disregards the stereotypes and stigma often attached to chronic illness. 

Call to Action

As someone who cares deeply about making a positive impact in our community, I want to bring your attention to an incredible organization that is doing just that. Good Days Organization is a national non-profit charitable organization that lifts the burdens of chronic illness through assistance, advocacy, and awareness. It has already made a significant impact on the lives of countless individuals and families. However, they need our support to continue their important work and create a more substantial difference. By donating to this organization, you will continue to provide lifesaving healthcare access to those in need. 

Kylie Risley is a driven and accomplished third-year student at North Central College. She is pursuing a major in marketing and a minor in sports management. Throughout her academic career, Kylie has consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic and the ability to excel in challenging environments. With her passion for marketing and her dedication to learning, Kylie is poised to make a significant impact in her chosen field. In the future, she aspires to work in the sports marketing realm, utilizing her knowledge of sports in business.