Stigma 1: Assumed Weakness/Warriors Of Our Own Caliber

For many, the diagnosis of heart disease comes with horrid visions of slowly growing more mentally and physically feeble over time. A ringing end to the glory days of health and happiness and the introduction to a new and uncertain unpleasantness with a clear, inevitable, and inglorious conclusion.

This is the stigma, and every stigma and stereotype is embedded with a grain of truth. As such, for many, this is the truth.

However, I would argue that this does not always have to be the case. And if it does, then you do all that is within your power to protect your heart and health despite the odds. Heart disease, congenital or otherwise, is not a reason to pity but rather is an inscription into a never-ending challenge that most do not face. It is the formation of a warrior who fights to maintain their lives on a daily basis while simultaneously being assumed to be "weak."

Some of us, those with congenital heart disease, were born with the condition, so we do not know what it is like to be "healthy," but rather live like a ship in an ocean, never knowing smooth seas but riding endless waves. Oftentimes, I have found myself wishing and praying for safe harbor. If I were good enough, followed the rules enough, and worked hard enough, then I would be able to be like the others. I could know what it is like to be reckless and carefree.

But, deep down, I know that I will never truly have that. If I do, it is brief, fleeting, a ghost mocking my accomplishments.

That's the point. Those of us with heart disease and congenital heart disease might need to live differently and more carefully than others, but that is because we must be wiser, stronger, and faster.

To them, sometimes we can be seen as weak. But just know, most normal people could not handle a day in the life of those with heart disease. The thought itself frightens them. And yet, we live with it every single day.

Nobody chose heart disease nor the battle that comes with it. Nevertheless, we must fight and oftentimes be considered less than or weaker than those who are "normal." Oftentimes, we are compared to them, and only when the symptoms of heart disease come to light is it treated like a death sentence rather than a never-ending battle.

Heart disease, especially congenital heart disease, is a double-edged sword. It is not a death sentence. It is the struggle to fight and remain alive despite the odds. Depending on your view, it could be a sign of physical weakness but also a sign of immense strength. For each beat or tick of your heart is another little victory leading up to the earned name, "Warrior."

Forever may we fight.

That does not mean to say that heart disease is not serious, nor is it physically and mentally draining. However, it is the assumption that all those with heart disease, no matter the condition or how well or poorly managed the disease is, are considered weaker based on that singular aspect; I believe this is unfair and requires more knowledge and understanding of the heart disease and the spectrum within it.

I will discuss more about stigmas connected to heart disease in the upcoming posts.