Overcoming Misconceptions

You can expect to confront different situations, judgments and feelings as you move through life with sickle cell. These may not be easy things to face. If you know what to expect, you can prepare yourself to meet these challenges head on. There are many misconceptions associated with sickle cell. Here is a list of common ones:

Fact: Sickle cell is not contagious; it is inherited.

Fact: Sickle cell predominantly impacts black people or people of African descent. However, it also impacts people of other races and ethnic origins, such as people of Hispanic, South Asian, Southern European and Middle Eastern ancestry.

Fact: People with sickle cell may have high pain tolerance, or they may be masking their pain. 

Fact: People with sickle cell often suffer from the symptoms of fatigue or tiredness – this is not laziness.

Fact: Opioids are commonly prescribed to help with the pain that comes with sickle cell – this doesn’t mean that all sickle cell patients are “drug seekers.”

When people do not understand sickle cell and believe these misconceptions it can sometimes cause negative stigmas. Stigma (or bias) is when people disapprove or discriminate against a person based on culture, gender, race, intelligence or health. Unfortunately, negative stigmas toward people who have sickle cell are common.

Other people’s judgments usually stem from a lack of understanding. Helping educate others about sickle cell can make a big difference in overcoming stigmas and correcting misconceptions about sickle cell

Having sickle cell isn’t easy. And everyone’s experience with it is different. You might be used to thinking about self-care as taking your medicines and seeing your doctor. Self-care is also about managing things like stress and your feelings (such as sadness or a depressed / low mood). Accept that some days are going to be hard. But also know that you are a warrior, and living with sickle cell has made you stronger.

If you experience a depressed or low mood, this is an opportunity to make small changes that can have a big impact on how you feel. Talk to your doctor about how you are feeling and consider these tips.