Showing concern and awareness as a caregiver for the loved one with a chronic illness shows that you believe them.  Some illnesses will leave a person outwardly looking healthy but they can still be in chronic pain or experience chronic symptoms. People have a hard time believing these individuals are sick at all.  It is easy for us to show doubt which increases the feeling of burden and makes your loved one feel alone.  Battle this feeling by thinking about what your loved one is feeling and experiencing then demonstrate how you would like to be treated. Let them know you see how hard they are trying, and how strong they are when managing their illness.  Simple acknowledgement gives encouragement and helps the person feel comforted and eases their affliction.