CHRONIC ILLHOUSE encompasses living with a chronic illness as a young adult, exploring the challenges of the mind and body through stunning visual art, poetry, and survival stories. Half of all Australians suffer from some kind of chronic illness, mental or physical, with 1 in 5 living with 2 or more conditions. Despite this prevalence there is still an extensive amount of stigma surrounding those
who are suffering. Life for young adults is stressful enough, without the burden of living with a chronic illness. Many find themselves becoming a paltry spectator in the grandstand of life while their peers pursue their futures blithely. Young adults with chronic illness tend to feel polarised and are often disregarded because of their age, particularly if their illness is invisible. This may lead to them questioning their own perceptions and judgement - Am I really sick/in pain? These kinds of self-doubts instil self-recrimination, eroding their self-esteem and self-worth. So what can we do to alleviate these burdens for the people in our life, suffering at the hands of chronic illness? It’s important realise that illness isn’t something that strikes when the body begins to deteriorate at old age. Too many people avoid these conversations in fear of emphasising these aspects, but this enables the stigma. With almost half of your friends and family living with a chronic illness it is crucial that we normalise their distinctive lifestyle. As we normalise these conditions, we increase awareness and education of common chronic illnesses that affect young adults, such as type I diabetes, depression, lupus, Crohn's disease, psoriasis etc. This may ultimately decrease future chronic illness through highlighting warning signs and preventative lifestyle changes. Chronic Illhouse touches on challenges a young person faces when living with chronic illness, both mental and physical. Introducing Timothy Andrew and Ayla Brett from Christchurch, NZ; Rose and Lydia Mcilhone from Wellington, NZ; and Nik Ranger from Melbourne, AUS; all young adults providing a small window into the weird and not so wonderful world of chronic illness.
