Lack of concentration might be a consequence of a student’s chronic health condition.

Fact
Chronic health conditions can cause ongoing difficulties such as fatigue and nausea, but can also become acute, significantly impairing a student’s work performance for a few hours or several days. Students with chronic health conditions may experience symptoms such as difficulty concentrating or memorizing, changes in energy levels, or chronic pain.

Chronic health conditions are not life threatening.

Myth
Chronic diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes, are by far the leading cause of mortality in Canada, representing 89% of all deaths.¹

Students with chronic health conditions do not face prejudice or stigmatization from others because their conditions are invisible and more manageable.

Myth
As with many disabilities, people may harbour unfair and negative attitudes about people with chronic illness, including assumptions they are faking, exaggerating symptoms, expect special treatment, take advantage of others, are lazy, or are simply weak.

For people living with chronic illnesses, health becomes a big (and often time-consuming) priority, sometimes making it difficult to make and maintain friendships and relationships.

Fact
Treatment and health management regimes can restrict the amount of time individuals have for socializing and recreation. Friends need to be patient and accommodating. Support groups can help individuals with chronic health disabilities deal with the social isolation that sometimes occurs as a result of their disabilities.