ILLNESS DEFINITION: an unhealthy condition that weakens the body NOTE: Though illnesses can focus on either the body or the mind, this entry has been limited to illnesses within the physical body. PHYSICAL SIGNALS: Feverish, glassy eyes Eyes that appear dull and blank Skin shining with sweat Coughs and sneezes A runny nose Chattering teeth Quivering muscles Vomiting Fainting Dehydration A pale complexion Prolonged sleep periods Bad breath Restless sleep Labored breathing A loss of stamina Skin that is dry and papery, hot and flushed, or cold and clammy A raspy or nasal voice Seeking a doctor’s advice Taking medications Working hard all day and crashing at the first sign of rest Complaining Steps that drag Drooping shoulders Dark smudges under the eyes Coughing up phlegm INTERNAL SENSATIONS: Sensitive skin Feeling feverish Body aches Nausea Muscle weakness and joint aches A sensation of being cold or hot The sense of taste being “off” A loss of appetite Aches in localized places (head, stomach, ear, throat) Dry mouth Fatigue and lethargy Thirst Rapid or sluggish blood pressure and pulse MENTAL RESPONSES: Impatience Feeling “foggy” Losing a sense of time Attempting to distract oneself from the discomfort Trying not to think of all the things that aren’t getting done Worry over others getting sick Fearing that one’s simple cold will turn to something worse Frustration at a lingering illness CUES OF ACUTE OR LONG-TERM ILLNESS: Anger Depression Weight loss Hair loss Sunken eyes Sallow skin An odor of sickness Refusing to eat An overall demeanor of frailness A weakened physique A determination to overcome Gratitude; an appreciation for the good things in one’s life Finding comfort in religion Wanting the discomfort to end A willingness to try risky or unproven remedies Finding simple verbal exchanges exhausting CUES OF SUPPRESSED ILLNESS: Denying to oneself and others that anything is wrong A determination to push through and keep working despite symptoms Dependence on medications and sleep aids Avoiding loved ones to hide one’s condition WRITER’S TIP:When rounding out a character, don’t forget about her physical side. Is she strong or prone to illness? What kind of illness, and what brings it on? Knowing these weaknesses enables you to lay a foundation for things to go from bad to worse at critical times.