Is There Anything Worse Than Being Accused Of Faking It When You're Feeling Ill?
Elle India|May 2017

Is there anything worse than being accused of faking it when you’re feeling ill? Rebecca Newman discovers the reality of psychosomatic illnesses.

Rebecca Newman
Is There Anything Worse Than Being Accused Of Faking It When You're Feeling Ill?

One morning, when I was 15, I ran out of energy as I walked to my class at school. I sank down to rest my face on a frosty path, and couldn’t get back up. I had been ill with glandular fever the previous summer and returned to school a week late, but life was busy: it was the summer of 1995, I was an A-grade student, taking extra subjects and fencing at a national level. There was no time for me to be unwell.

The school nurse thought I was faking it. My GP at home was sympathetic, but suggested I needed rest. I couldn’t understand it: I knew there was something physically wrong with me, but no one could diagnose it or tell me how long it would last. It was frightening and belittling, and it felt unfair. Not only was I unwell, but I was also lost in despair that no one would validate what I was going through. I couldn’t get out of bed and could see a helpless panic in my parents’ faces. The following spring, when my exhaustion had evolved into severe joint pain and photosensitivity, a specialist at last gave my condition a label: post-viral fatigue syndrome (PVFS). People became more understanding, and I could breathe a sigh of relief. There was a medical problem with a name. My inability to get well was legitimate.

Esta historia es de la edición May 2017 de Elle India.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

Esta historia es de la edición May 2017 de Elle India.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

MÁS HISTORIAS DE ELLE INDIAVer todo
FULL THROTTLE
Elle India

FULL THROTTLE

F2 rising star Kush Maini on his racing journey & challenges in motorsport. Ekta Sinha hitches a ride

time-read
2 minutos  |
October 2024
VIJAY VARMA MAN OF THE MOMENT
Elle India

VIJAY VARMA MAN OF THE MOMENT

Amidst the barrage of releases, Vijay Varma's dignified reticence is enveloped in thoughtful consideration, reports Ipsita Kaul

time-read
3 minutos  |
October 2024
ROHIT SARAF THE GEN Z STAR
Elle India

ROHIT SARAF THE GEN Z STAR

The new generation heartthrob talks about his love for romcoms, music, and future endeavours with Ekta Sinha

time-read
3 minutos  |
October 2024
Roaring RAJASTHAN
Elle India

Roaring RAJASTHAN

From Jawai's dramatic landscape and Jaisalmer's rich heritage to Ranthambore's enthralling wilderness-Isha Mayer explores SUJÁN's luxurious, eco-conscious hospitality offerings in the beautiful state

time-read
6 minutos  |
October 2024
Ectoin: The Skin's New Defence
Elle India

Ectoin: The Skin's New Defence

Krishika Bhatia explores a revolutionary skincare breakthrough that merges nature and science, featuring insights from industry experts

time-read
2 minutos  |
October 2024
Nigella's WORLD
Elle India

Nigella's WORLD

The British celebrity chef shares the secret recipe to her effortless charm in the kitchen with Isha Mayer

time-read
3 minutos  |
October 2024
ADRIATIC DRIFT
Elle India

ADRIATIC DRIFT

Stari Grad is Croatia's hidden gem waiting to be explored, finds Isha Mayer

time-read
3 minutos  |
October 2024
Unapologetically MOSTLY SANE
Elle India

Unapologetically MOSTLY SANE

The multi-hyphenate artist fills Maahi Shah in on the fun things she's working on, what meeting Michelle Obama was like, & how she stays grounded

time-read
4 minutos  |
October 2024
SANYA MALHOTRA POWERHOUSE OF VERSATILITY
Elle India

SANYA MALHOTRA POWERHOUSE OF VERSATILITY

The actor lets Maahi Shah in on her female-forward acting choices, growing through the tribulations of the imposter syndrome and the big little things that make her proud to be a woman

time-read
4 minutos  |
October 2024
H&M GOES BRAT
Elle India

H&M GOES BRAT

Popstar Charli XCX's celebration of the fashion brand's Autumn/ Winter 2024 campaign offered a window to its refreshed trajectory, reports Haiqa Siddiqui

time-read
3 minutos  |
October 2024