Support Through
Disease of the Month
Each month, Silent Strength highlights one officially recognized condition while continuing to raise awareness of invisible illness and support individuals living with chronic and often unseen medical conditions.
On This Page
Overview | Common Symptoms | Diagnostic Challenges | Daily Life Impact | Common Misconceptions | How to Support | Advocacy Focus
August is Gastroparesis Awareness Month
Awareness Ribbon: Green
Gastroparesis is a chronic digestive condition where the stomach empties food more slowly than it should, even though there is no blockage. This can make eating, digesting food, and getting proper nutrition difficult. Symptoms vary from person to person and are often invisible to others.
Overview
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Nausea and vomiting
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Feeling full quickly
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Bloating and stomach pain
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Acid reflux or heartburn
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Poor appetite
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Fatigue
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Weight loss or trouble maintaining nutrition
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Dehydration
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Blood sugar changes, especially in people with diabetes
Common Symptoms
Diagnostic Challenges
Gastroparesis can be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms are similar to many other digestive disorders. Many people spend months or even years searching for answers before receiving the correct diagnosis.
Common Misconceptions
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"It's just an upset stomach."
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"You just need to change your diet."
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"Everyone with gastroparesis has the same symptoms."
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"If you look fine, you must feel fine."
Daily Life Impact
Living with gastroparesis often means carefully planning meals, managing medications, and coping with unpredictable symptoms. Everyday activities, work, school, and social events can be affected, even when someone appears healthy.
How to Give Support
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Believe their symptoms.
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Be understanding when plans change.
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Avoid judging their food choices.
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Offer support without making assumptions.
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Help spread awareness about invisible illnesses.
Links to Trusted Resources
Gastroparesis may be invisible, but the strength it takes to live with it is not. Every day brings new challenges, and every step forward is a victory. Awareness leads to understanding, and understanding creates inclusion.
Silent Strength Reminder
Advocacy & Awareness
August is a time to raise awareness about gastroparesis, encourage earlier diagnosis, support research, and improve understanding of the daily challenges faced by those living with this invisible illness.
Year at a Glance
Awareness ribbons are a visible symbol of support for invisible illnesses.
January
Thyroid Disease
Focusing on thyroid health and the impact of thyroid disorders on energy, mood, and daily life.
May
Lupus
Supporting those navigating this autoimmune condition affecting the entire body.
September
PsA
Spreading knowledge about Psoriatic Arthritis and its impact on joints.
February
Rare Disease Day
Focusing on the millions living with rare diseases and the importance of early diagnosis, research, and support.
June
Migraine Headaches
Focusing on migraine and headache disorders and the people living with them.
October
POTS
Honoring the journey of living with autonomic nervous system dysfunction.
March
Endometriosis
A month dedicated to understanding this complex reproductive and systemic health issue.
July
Juvenile Arthritis
Honoring the strength and resilience of children living with juvenile arthritis every day.
November
CRPS
Bringing visibility to Complex Regional Pain Syndrome and chronic nerve pain.
April
Sjögren’s Syndrome
Raising awareness for this multisystemic autoimmune condition that can cause dryness, fatigue, and pain.
August
Gastroparesis
Focusing on digestive health and conditions affecting stomach motility.
December
Crohn's
A time to focus on Crohn’s disease and other inflammatory bowel conditions.
This calendar highlights one key condition for each month to make complex health topics easier to follow. Some months have more than one awareness focus, and not all conditions or dates are shown here. Disease awareness months are designated by national and international advocacy, medical, and public health organizations. Silent Strength follows these official observance listings to support accurate education and awareness throughout the year.