I have a friend with POTS, and she struggles with the same issues of people not believing/recognizing her limitations. “But I saw you at [insert public event or supermarket] and you looked fine!” Never mind that it was the one day that week she was able to get around without being overly dizzy.

Another friend has Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and is an author. She follows a strict schedule she’s created for herself so she can get through each day without paying for it the next day. Frequent naps, early bedtime, limited social excursions, and knowing that any deviation has its repercusions.

I’m so sorry for the experience you had at the grocery store. We should never humiliate another person simply because we don’t understand what they’re going through. But I’m glad you’ve turned it into an awareness moment that’s gaining momentum. Each person you reach can make others aware for the next time they run into that situation.