The Power of Support When You’re Unwell

Sometimes you don’t realise how blessed your life is until you fall sick. That’s when you truly see the kind of people you’re surrounded by — and how much their care and support can mean.

Week 1: A Bad Cold

I’m currently in week four of being unwell. It started with a bad cold — runny nose, sneezing, the usual. I still worked through it, commuting to the office and working from home as needed.

On one of my office days, I was heavily backlogged with cases. Two of my colleagues kindly stepped up and offered to help. I transferred 12–18 cases to them — mostly correspondence that needed reviewing and updating.

That small gesture reminded me of the quiet strength of teamwork.

Week 2: A Severe Chest Infection

The second week hit much harder — a severe chest infection left me bedridden and constantly coughing. I stayed home the entire week and called in sick.

My manager checked in every morning, and her replies were simple but supportive:

“Thanks for letting me know — hope you feel better soon.”

No questions. No guilt. Just trust.

Week 3: A Lingering Cough

By week three, I was well enough to work, but I still couldn’t speak without coughing. My manager and team took me off phone duty for the entire week.

Even better, they turned my mandatory office day into a work-from-home day — just to make things easier for me.

Support doesn’t always need grand gestures. Sometimes it’s just understanding what someone needs — and giving them that space.

Week 4: Still Coughing + A Flare-Up

The cough persisted into week four. I still couldn’t talk much, so I was again taken off calls while I sorted out updated medication from my GP.

Then, just when I thought I was ready to get back to normal, I woke up on Friday to a massive eczema flare-up. My face and ears were sore, weeping, and incredibly painful.

I attempted to book the day off as annual leave — not wanting to increase my sick days — but due to company policy, I had to take it as sick leave. My manager couldn’t override it, and that was okay.

Because for the first time in a long time — I didn’t feel guilty about it.

Growing Up Sick: Shame & Stigma

In the past, being unwell came with a hefty dose of guilt — not from work, but from family.

In my household, getting sick often meant you were seen as lazy, fragile, or unworthy.

“She’s a waste of space.”

“She’ll never achieve anything.”

When I developed eczema as a teenager, it wasn’t just a hidden illness anymore — it was visible. I was told:

“Who’s going to want to marry you?”

“No one will love someone with a skin condition like yours.”

And when the rejection started happening in real life, I started believing those words. A man I once went on a date with told me I was “too ugly to date” before walking away — three minutes in.

So, I accepted the possibility that maybe I’d never find anyone…

But deep down, I still hoped.

Then Came Nitin ❤️

Nitin entered my life unexpectedly.

At first, I didn’t like him — not because of how he looked, but because of his playboy attitude and a touch of arrogance. But he knew of me through a mutual connection, and something stuck with him. He asked me out several times. I kept dodging. Until I finally said yes — just once.

That one date changed everything.

Within the hour, I knew I was going to marry him.

And I did… 10 months later.

15 Years of Unwavering Support

Nitin has never made me feel ashamed of my skin, my body, or my health. He may groan when I’m unwell — but it’s out of frustration, not judgment.

He brings me cold water when I flare up.

He opens windows or turns on the fan.

He’s taught Maanvi and Jiya to do the same.

He may not know every remedy or fix — but he knows how to support me.

He gives me space.

He gives me peace.

He feeds me.

🥘 Food is his love language.

He may not gift flowers or chocolates, but he’ll cook my favourites and buy my treats without being asked.

The Real MVP Moments

Over the years, Nitin has supported me through:

• 🌡️ Severe colds, coughs, eczema
• 🛏️ A back spasm that left me bedbound for 2 weeks
• 🤰 Two high-risk pregnancies
• 🩺 Multiple post-C-section recoveries
• 🦶 Torn ankle ligaments (over 6 times!)
• 😞 Anxiety, depression, and postnatal depression

All without ever making me feel like a burden.

Feeling Safe in My Health

For the first time in my life, I don’t feel guilty about being sick.

I don’t feel like I have to apologise for not being 100%.

Because the people around me — at work and at home — don’t make me feel like there’s anything wrong with me when I’m not well.

Instead, they remind me that being unwell is part of being human —

and that support, trust, and love make all the difference.

🙌 Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever felt ashamed or guilty for being unwell, I hope you find your version of what I’ve found — a team that has your back, and a partner who holds your hand.