“Don't Make Illness Your Identity": What Does Research Say?
Psychology Today | 24.09.2026 03:11
The phrases “Don’t make illness your identity” and “Don’t let illness define you” are controversial in the chronic illness community, and for good reason. On one hand, the phrases are often said by individuals who have no concept of what it’s like to live with illness every day—something that undoubtedly impacts your identity. On the other hand, we know it’s important to continue to foster all parts of our identity, even when illness takes up too much of our energy.
