You Don’t LOOK Sick! Living Well With Invisible Chronic Illness is a collection of 12 true stories based on my own experience with Invisible Chronic Illness, and that of my co-author and physician, Dr, Steven Overman who specialized in treating patients like me. We chose these stories because they are common to many who live with long-term illness and hope they may help other patients move more skillfully through the 4 phases that we identify—Getting Sick, Being Sick, Grief and Acceptance and Living Well. This collection of experiences, anecdotes, tips, and strategies provide a guide for patients and caregivers in taking positive steps forward and beginning to build a life with meaning, even if that life includes illness.
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ONE OF UPJOURNEY’S 11 BEST BOOKS FOR LIVING WITH CHRONIC ILLNESS OR CHRONIC PAIN
“I’ve learned that having a chronic illness... does not mean that I am useless and no longer have any gifts to share, but it may mean that I must develop some new ones.”
What people are saying
“I've been using You Don't LOOK Sick! for several years in my Literature of Intellectual Disability class at Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri - it's definitely one of the most popular and influential books I use. It's impressive how the ideas you utilize can traverse any and all kinds of disabilities, even broadening my own outlook on the physical disability I've dealt with for the last 20 years. My students are often pleased with how accessible and friendly the writing style is, and we've had spirited, intriguing, and perhaps most importantly, fun discussions all based around your book. Thank you so much for writing it! “
—Linda Bindner, Professor, Literature of Intellectual Disability, Truman State University
“I love this book. I really love this book!
I run a Facebook community for those who live with chronic pain and illness called “Attitude of Gratitude with Chronic Pain.” We strive to find happiness and fulfillment and incorporate gratitude into our daily lives.
THIS BOOK just knocked my socks off and is a favorite among my group members, as well!
Joy Selak and Dr. Steven Overman bring such an insightful and unique perspective by offering incredibly helpful suggestions from both the patient’s AND the doctor’s point of view! They offer advice on the “now what?” part of our journeys with chronic pain after coming to a place of acceptance. They talk about finding that place of peace and how to treat our circumstances with grace while taking control of our own well-being.
I have stickies and highlights all over this book. It’s THAT good!”
“A poignant and easy-to-read journey of a person afflicted with a chronic illness, her struggle to come to terms with her disease, and her acceptance of and adaptation to it....This book combines the difficult lessons learned with humor and with more grace than I could imagine mustering...[and] will be very helpful to many of my patients going on the same journey. ”
“Inspiring and insightful...overcoming the fear, loneliness and life-changing consequences of chronic illness is an achievable and essential goal for everyone as they work to restore their lives.”
“Shows readers how to transform the trauma of chronic illness into a life of acceptance, purpose, and gratitude....A must-read for sufferers like myself, for those who care for them, and for those who love them.”