Handling the Negativity

When you are facing negative responses, facing skepticism and dismissive comments can be challenging, especially when they come from doctors or close family members. The key is to stay calm, be firm, and choose the response that feels most appropriate for the situation. Remember, you don’t need to justify your experience to everyone, but it’s important to advocate for yourself and protect your well-being.

Here are some approaches that offer flexibility for different interactions, use these as a guide to help you find your words.

1. Statement: “Mold doesn’t make me sick, so why is it making you sick?”

Response 1: "Everyone’s body reacts differently to mold. Some people can tolerate it, while others, like me, have a more sensitive reaction."

Response 2: "Our bodies are unique, and unfortunately, mine happens to be more vulnerable to the effects of mold."

2. Statement: “It’s all in your head.”

Response 1: "My symptoms are very real and have been validated by specialists. It’s a complex condition that goes beyond mental health."

Response 2: "I understand why it might seem that way, but I assure you, this is very real for me. I wouldn’t want anyone to experience what I’m going through."

3. Statement: “Mold doesn’t make people sick.”

Response 1: "Actually, mold can produce mycotoxins that are harmful to human health. Not everyone reacts the same, but for some, the effects can be serious."

Response 2: "I used to think that too, but after learning more, I’ve discovered that mold affects people differently, and unfortunately, I’m one of those who reacts severely."

4. Statement: “Penicillin is a mold, and it’s used to cure people, not make them sick.”

Response 1: "Penicillin is a specific type of mold, most molds are not beneficial. Some produce toxins that can cause serious health issues."

Response 2: "That’s true about penicillin, but not all molds are the same. Some, like the one I’ve been exposed to, can be harmful."

5. Statement: “If you would just get up out of bed, you’d feel better.”

Response 1: "My illness is more complex and isn’t something I can ‘push through’ without causing more harm. Rest is essential for my recovery."

Response 2: "I wish I could just get up and feel better. Unfortunately, this illness doesn’t work that way, and I need to listen to my body’s limits."

6. Statement: “You’re just being dramatic. It can’t be that bad.”

Response 1: "It might be hard to understand if you haven’t experienced it, but I assure you, my symptoms are severe and real."

Response 2: "I know it might seem exaggerated, but what I’m going through is very real and has been extremely challenging."

7. Statement: “If mold is so bad, why isn’t everyone sick?”

Response 1: "Sensitivity to mold varies from person to person. Some people can live in moldy environments with no symptoms, while others can become very ill."

Response 2: "Everyone’s body handles mold exposure differently. I happen to be one of the people who reacts strongly."

8. Statement: “You’re exaggerating. It’s probably just allergies.”

Response 1: "My condition goes beyond typical allergies. It’s been diagnosed as mold toxicity, which affects my entire body."

Response 2: "I wish it were just allergies, but it’s more complicated than that. My body’s reaction has been much more severe."

9. Statement: “Just clean up the mold, and you’ll be fine.”

Response 1: "Cleaning visible mold is important, but mold can hide in places you can’t see, and the toxins can linger in the environment."

Response 2: "I’ve done my best to clean it, but mold is tricky. Even when you can’t see it, it can still cause problems, and I need help addressing that."

10. Statement: “You’ve always been a hypochondriac.”

Response 1: "I know my health history, and this is different. Mold toxicity is a documented illness that’s affecting my life in serious ways."

Response 2: "I understand why you might think that, but this time, something is seriously wrong, and it’s more than just worry. I need to take it seriously."