September is Chronic Pain Awareness Month.
I’m a few days late on posting this, but I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to share that September is chronic pain awareness month.
I’ve posted about this on Instagram. You can click here to read it and check out the Hope Amid the Pain Instagram page.
However, I know some of you aren’t on Instagram, so I wanted to share this post here, as well.
People who don’t suffer from chronic pain don’t realize the impact of the word “chronic.” How it means the pain is there every single day, without fail. The symptoms are there from the moment you wake up to the moment you go to bed, though they may wax and wane from time to time. The pain may also travel from joints, muscles, and nerves without any rhyme or reason.
You crave sleep, and your body needs it. However, when you lay down, it doesn’t come.
You learn to adapt and go about your life in a new way to compensate for your constant pain. And you have to adapt every single day. Sadly, you start to get used to having it there. You can’t tell it that today isn’t a good day and it needs to go away. It’s like that annoying fly that keeps flying in your face, buzzing around, refusing to leave.
People who live with chronic pain are stronger than they realize.They often are overlooked and undercredited for all they do each and every day just to get through that day. Many don’t give themselves enough credit, either. They see it as just doing what they need to do.
They laugh and smile and push forward, looking on the outside like everything is fine but knowing on the inside that is not the case. They dream of having just one day, or even one moment, when the chronic pain is not there.
If you know someone who deals with chronic pain, be patient with them. Take time to listen. Take time to learn about what is going on with them. Share on X
And to those living with chronic pain:
We are survivors. We are overcomers!
To read more of about chronic pain, check out the following sites:
International Association for the Study of Pain
Thank you for this post! I knew several people living with chronic pain. Thank you for giving a glimpse in what that means.
You’re very welcome, Hadassah. It’s something that definitely needs more awareness.
Thank you for sharing. I didn’t even realize this month was chronic pain awareness. I will have to check in with two dear friends who live with pain daily.
You’re welcome, Ann-Marie. I hope your two friends are doing okay. I’m glad they have you to check on them. Support from friends is so important.