I have recently been diagnosed with Chronic Lyme disease after 20 years of suffering with "Chronic Fatigue". I was able to control symptoms for many years by working part time, good diet and supplements and not overdoing it. I learned how to pull back when feeling ill, used yoga and chiropractic for aches and pains attributed to my job as an RN. I avoided taking medication as I have reacted badly to most of them.
I went to physicians for routine care only, then developed extreme hypertension; it took several years and two changes of PCPs for someone to find I had an adrenal tumor causing that. Had one adrenal removed then gradually spiraled into an illness unlike any I had ever experienced. I had always been calm in my job and in my life, could handle problems with ease, was a dedicated and respected RN.

I suddenly became unable to solve any problem, I shook with any stress, had body tremors, lost wt at an alarming rate. I couldn't think clearly, couldn't read or watch TV. And what was diagnosed?
Premenopause, depression, empty nester.

I was obviously sick, unable to hold my own head up, unable to breathe through my nose, reacted to any treatment tried but wasdismissed because "it was all in my head"
I refused to take anti-depressants offered because I was reacting to everything I put in or near my body. I developed chemical sensitivity. I spent my summer in bed.
Fortunately my husband helped me to find an integrative MD who happens to be a LLMD.
With his treatment to support my immune system and regulate my hormones I have become functional again, not the same as before but can participate in life again.The anxiety is mostly gone. I can read and converse again but not the same as before.
Still the docs in my city dismiss this can be so, I "needed" to be sick.
Yeah, sure, this is how I choose to live.
The only thing is that one day someone close to them more than likely will suffer like this, then maybe they will take notice and want to learn instead of scoff.