Afflicted

Afflicted is a documentary series that first premiered in 2018 and can be found on the popular streaming service, Netflix. This engrossing show focuses on the lesser-explored and often misunderstood domain of chronic illnesses, particularly the ones that are hard-to-diagnose. The series gives a detailed outlook on certain medical conditions that, while not always clinically recognized or widely understood, are very real and debilitating for those suffering from them.

The show spanned seven episodes in its first and only season, each one designed to delve into different aspects of each patient's complex medical mystery. The series profiles seven people living with unexplained and unusual chronic illnesses, ranging from chronic fatigue syndrome to multiple chemical sensitivity, fibromyalgia, Lyme disease, electromagnetic hypersensitivity, and others. Through its episodes, Afflicted attempts to shed light on the complex physical, psychological, and emotional struggles these patients and their loved ones undergo, providing an intimate window into their lives.

What sets ‘Afflicted’ apart from many medical documentary series is the way it treats its subject matter. The individuals in Afflicted do not merely have incidental health problems; their entire lives have been drastically upended by their conditions. In some cases, patients have become unable to work, maintain relationships, or even leave their homes. The series doesn't only focus on the physical aspect of illnesses but also delves deep into the emotional disturbances caused by these conditions. Each episode follows their journey, their hopes, and their quest for a cure or at least some relief.

Afflicted endeavors to give a firsthand perspective of individuals who experience life-altering, and often life-limiting, symptoms and their best attempts to manage them with traditional, alternative, and incredibly specialized treatments. It explores not just the health problems, but also how it significantly impacts the patient’s life, their relationships with family and friends, their financial conditions, and overall mental health. It is often heartbreaking to witness, but it also speaks to the resilience of the human spirit and the struggle to move forward despite tremendous challenges.

The interviews and narratives in the series are convoluted, intimate, and deeply personal, taking the viewer on a rollercoaster journey of emotion as they navigate through the unthinkable hardships these patients face on a daily basis. However, while Afflicted may be grim in its focus at times, it isn’t without sparks of hope. Many segments of the documentary highlight the sheer determination and courage of those afflicted, showcasing their efforts to remain optimistic in the face of adversity and their persistent pursuit of a better life.

The series is also noteworthy for making a concerted effort to represent the perspectives of medical experts. It presents interviews with doctors and alternative healthcare professionals, providing much-needed medical insights and knowledge about these conditions. These professional perspectives are not always in agreement with one another or with the patients themselves, revealing the complexity and ongoing debates in the medical world around such chronic illnesses.

Beyond the medical aspects, Afflicted also provides a comprehensive portrait of the significant caregivers and support networks surrounding these patients, acknowledging their struggles and contributions. The show takes a closer look at the dynamics within these essential support systems and their crucial roles in the patient's journey to recovery.

Afflicted garnered mixed reviews for its portrayal of chronic illness. Advocates for people with similar health conditions applauded the series for its courage in shedding light on these conditions, their complications, and the resilient spirit of the people battling them. However, critics argued that it maintained a skeptical, often cynical tone towards the diagnoses and treatments these patients receive.

Despite the differing viewpoints on its approach, Afflicted is undeniably a thought-provoking series that thrusts chronic illness into the spotlight, raising critical awareness about it amongst its viewers. It serves as an exploratory platform that intimately showcases the battles that these incredible individuals undertake as they strive to navigate through an often skeptical medical system. Through Afflicted, viewers are granted the opportunity to contemplate the vast spectrum of human health and sickness, ultimately promoting a more compassionate understanding of the human condition.