Life with Chronic Pain and Illness
For some time, I’ve been sharing Life with Chronic Pain and Illness posts on my Instagram page (www.instagram.com/hopeamidthepain). These are tips that people, particularly those living with chronic pain and illness, may find helpful. I decided to start sharing them here on my blog, as well.
Life with chronic pain and illness involves a large emotional component. It can be all too easy to feel guilty for your condition. However, it’s important to understand that this is NOT the case. You may be told that you need to change certain behaviors or activities in order to (hopefully) help reduce your pain. While that may be true, it does NOT mean you are responsible for the pain or illness.
It’s natural to feel upset, anxious, depressed, or a whole host of other emotions. Living with pain and illness is like having another full-time job! It can take some time to wrap your mind around the fact that you have a long-term condition (one that is chronic, meaning it’s always there).
Don’t be too hard on yourself for feeling the way you feel. It’s okay to grieve the life you used to have or the one you thought you’d have now. It’s upsetting to know that you may always live with pain. It’s important to give yourself time, and permission, to accept and grieve. But be careful not to get stuck there.
Turn to the Lord. He’s not surprised by anything you’re going through. He knows what your future holds. And He still has plans for you. Chronic pain and illness will not change that! Ask Him to help you learn to trust Him and hold onto hope, knowing that He is with you through it all.
I hope you have a blessed, low-pain day.