I have lived with chronic pain and inflammation on some level for close to 15 years. I think people see their personal experiences with pain as a source of shame, because we are always telling ourselves that someone has it worse than us so we shouldn't complain. There are so many people out there with "high-functioning" chronic pain(myself included), but the problem with that is act of masking and getting through the day in itself is incredibly draining. It is so important to advocate for yourself and your needs, whatever it takes to find a solution and higher quality of life. Also wanted to note that experiencing pain that impacts your ability to exist in society on a "normal" level is not a reflection of work ethic or some kind of moral failure. It's hard to convince yourself that you're not a failure for not pulling yourself up by your bootstraps and dealing with it. The conversation on how these things impact mental health could fill a book.
I'm toying around with utilizing Substack as a new writing outlet and definitely plan on going back to school in the future to get a Masters in Counseling, soooooo definitely in consideration! :)
Ohh, I see! I for one am certainly liking Substack as a platform over Blogger. I'm told that Patreon is still a little better if you're doing a podcast but that's another thing altogether.
I thought I would lose my mind from pain from deteriorated cervical disks. I had spinal taps, nerve blocks, took lots of Aleve. I was on the brink of a dangerous and often unsuccessful surgery. I have gotten on top of it with a combination of strategies--too much to go into here. Grief makes pain worse, not accepting what "is," makes pain worse.
I have lived with chronic pain and inflammation on some level for close to 15 years. I think people see their personal experiences with pain as a source of shame, because we are always telling ourselves that someone has it worse than us so we shouldn't complain. There are so many people out there with "high-functioning" chronic pain(myself included), but the problem with that is act of masking and getting through the day in itself is incredibly draining. It is so important to advocate for yourself and your needs, whatever it takes to find a solution and higher quality of life. Also wanted to note that experiencing pain that impacts your ability to exist in society on a "normal" level is not a reflection of work ethic or some kind of moral failure. It's hard to convince yourself that you're not a failure for not pulling yourself up by your bootstraps and dealing with it. The conversation on how these things impact mental health could fill a book.
That was very well said, Katie. Couldn't agree more! Seems like maybe you want to consider writing that book??
I'm toying around with utilizing Substack as a new writing outlet and definitely plan on going back to school in the future to get a Masters in Counseling, soooooo definitely in consideration! :)
Ohh, I see! I for one am certainly liking Substack as a platform over Blogger. I'm told that Patreon is still a little better if you're doing a podcast but that's another thing altogether.
I thought I would lose my mind from pain from deteriorated cervical disks. I had spinal taps, nerve blocks, took lots of Aleve. I was on the brink of a dangerous and often unsuccessful surgery. I have gotten on top of it with a combination of strategies--too much to go into here. Grief makes pain worse, not accepting what "is," makes pain worse.