An Outdated Approach to Modern Day Chronic Illness in Society and Medicine

The days of going to your family doctor, getting a clear diagnosis, and knowing exactly how to treat it are quickly fading. That’s not to say it never happens—but for a large and growing number of people dealing with unexplained, invisible chronic illnesses, it’s no longer the norm.

As our world evolves and becomes more synthetic, we seem to be getting sicker. Our food is exposed to chemicals and artificial additives. Our water contains traces of heavy metals and microplastics. We breathe in toxins—sometimes even in the name of stress relief or recreation. Many buildings are made with materials that promote toxic mold growth or release volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Everyday products often contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). And that’s just scratching the surface of what could be contributing to the rise in chronic disease.

According to the NIH, about 60% of U.S. adults aged 18–34 have at least one chronic condition. That number jumps to 75% for those aged 35–64, and 90% for people 65 and older. What’s even more concerning is how many of these conditions are invisible. An article from Bradley University, citing Disabled World, reports that 96% of people living with chronic illness have conditions that show no outward signs.

To make things more complicated, testing in conventional medicine can be unreliable—especially for conditions that don’t fit neatly into a box. Often, the first line of treatment is long-term medication to treat symptoms, rather than the underlying cause. And while medications can be helpful, they can also come with their own set of issues. Nevertheless, somehow the U.S. remains one of only two countries that allow pharmaceutical companies to advertise prescription drugs directly to consumers, according to Harvard Health. Last but not least, our healthcare system is largely designed to treat visible illness and tends to prioritize what insurance companies consider “necessary.”

So here’s the reality: we’re getting sicker, but our approach to treating illness hasn’t kept up. And on top of that, people with invisible chronic conditions are often dismissed or misunderstood. Why?

I see it all the time—especially in online communities. Partners, family members, bosses, and even friends sometimes assume people are exaggerating or seeking attention simply because they don’t look sick. But invisible symptoms are very real. Chronic pain, digestive issues, extreme fatigue, migraines, and neurological conditions like POTS or dysautonomia, and much more, can make life debilitating.

That’s where you and I come in.

The goal of Connor’s Chronicles is to shift perspectives—both socially and medically—so people can better understand what chronic illness really looks like today. Whether that means helping someone support a loved one or raising broader awareness, even small changes in understanding can make a big difference.

We can boost recovery, protect relationships, support careers, and improve lives just by learning and adjusting how we think about these conditions.

I’m not claiming a blog will change the world. But if even one person reads this and starts to see someone in their life differently—with more understanding and empathy—then it’s worth it.

Too many people with invisible chronic illnesses are dismissed, isolated, or labeled as “crazy.” Often, it’s simply because others haven’t experienced it themselves. And to be fair, most of us don’t fully understand something until we’ve lived it. I know I’ve been guilty of that in other areas of life.

But going through this has changed how I see others and their struggles. And that perspective shift matters.

So if you’re reading this, I encourage you to start looking at chronic illness—especially the invisible kind—through a more informed and compassionate lens.