India, Feb. 15 -- A person with chronic illness already has it difficult to manage their day to day with their illness but an Australian study shed light on another regular challenge they face. Other than the physical pain, they also endure high mental distress. The study found that their symptoms are often ignored or dismissed by family members and doctors, either due to a lack of understanding or the assumption that they should simply cope with it. This dismissal causes stress and worsens their mental health.

The study included participants who had conditions like chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, endometriosis, and arthritis. Most of them are women and more than 70% of them have been dealing with their illness for over five years.

The m...