When you have an invisible illness, others find it easier to dismiss you and tell you to "suck it up." There’s no sign that conveys your pain to the world. But the millions of Americans who have invisible illnesses struggle with their health issues all the damn time, even though others don’t acknowledge it.



Women especially aren't taken seriously when it comes to pain. We're used to being told we're just being overdramatic when we talk about illnesses — in fact, many women never even speak up about their pain for fear of being labeled a drama queen. Clearly, we're all a little too used to downplaying pain.

Here are nine female celebrities who are speaking out about their invisible illnesses: