Sometimes it can be difficult to remember that our loved ones suffer with a chronic illness. The symptoms can ebb and flow of their own accord often bringing irritability and what seems to be a harshness toward those who love them.
Living with a chronic illness myself, I can attest to the great difficulty of the most simple of tasks that normally pose no challenge at all.
The stress of the symptoms - economic hardships, isolation, and strained personal relationships -exacerbate the suffering for everyone. Staying mindful of our loved ones suffering along with attempting to maintain a healthy balance for all can be exhausting.
Try to be kind. Try to encourage. Find any reason to let them know that they are loved.
Help them find a reason to maintain the struggle.