I just wanted to share something that kind of bothered me today. I was watching an episode of Criminal Minds and they were profiling the individual to be involved in a chronic illness support group. They were discussing "controversial" diseases that are believed to be primarily psychological. Somehow fibro made that list. Although the killer from this episode was determined to have a different illness, it portrayed these "controversial" diseases in such a negative light. They were made to look crazy for advocating for themselves. One of the sufferers of this alternate condition was able to magically just improve at the end of the episode. I know we all wish that was the case, that we could will ourselves to be better. Normally I love this show but it really bothered me that they would throw fibromyalgia on that list. I am used to people in my day to day life not fully understanding but somehow hearing it on the TV blaring out to millions of viewers was really off putting. I realize it is just a TV show and has no real impact. Just something I wanted to share. How can we ever expect to have full understanding when these types of stereotypes are still being portrayed. Have you guy had any experiences with the media negatively (or positively) talking about fibro?
I found your post interesting, and I think you made a valid point about the lack of understanding surrounding Fibro. Not surprising tho, when we all look 'normal', tho' often in a lot of pain, or other weird things going on with our bodies! Hopefully it is becoming more recognised as times goes on, and we must continue to advocate for this. TV programmes don't help! I do believe they can be powerful and people take notice. I've never watched it, am in UK, don't know if we get it here.
Well, this is kind of funny, but the commercials for Lyrica and Savella have legitimized Fibro for my mother! The commercials present Fibro’s symptoms and possible negative impact on a persons life in a clear and empathetic way. My mother seems to understand more and accept that it is a real medical condition from these commercials, that 17 years of my talking about it couldn’t achieve!
Starr
The episode I am talking about is season 10 episode 4 called "the itch". Beware there are some rather gross cockroaches involved in this episode as well lol It is on Netflix. They mainly talk about Morgellon's in the episode which seems a little bit strange..but who are we to judge someone else's pain. Lord knows there are plenty of people out there who think the same about us!
Hollie said:
Hi! I was just wondering if you knew which episode this was as I love criminal minds and id be interested in watching it, thank you! X