Chronic Pain & Illness
It’s so hard to get out of bed.
Your body is the enemy, and you feel defeated before you get out of bed in the morning.
How you feel this morning makes you wonder, “What if I feel sick with a long day ahead of me?”
The anxiety rises as you wonder how you are going to get through your day with the pain.
The pain makes everything seem hopeless, causing you to be afraid that this is all there is.
“Will I have what I need to get through my day?”
The kids are waking up soon, and the rush of the day will begin. Off to the races as your body protests.
“What if I can’t get through my day?”
Arguments erupt, and you think, “I can’t handle this right now!” and snap at them. And then the guilt presses down.
It seems like there is no mercy for those who suffer from chronic pain.
Nobody understands, and no doctors can help.
“How do you feel?” is a loaded question. Some days, you have joint pain. On other days, you have stomach pain and a headache. Sometimes, the pain is sharp, and sometimes, it is dull and achy.
Because of the pain you feel, on some days, you have depression, which sits in your throat, making it hard to swallow, or your chest, making it hard to breathe.
You feel alone in the pain. Experiencing connection, joy, and pleasure comes at a price.
Living with chronic pain or illness feels like a life sentence.
You wonder, “Why me?”
You had so many dreams and plans and knew what you could be or what you could do if you felt whole.
Chronic pain can be incredibly isolating. Social situations are often too much, and it’s not worth it most of the time.
The way you feel is not just in your head.
And you don’t have to do it alone. Doctors may not be able to identify the cause of your pain, but that does not make it any less real.
Chronic pain can make life seem hopeless. As your therapist, it is my role to help you change how you think about your pain, which can reduce its emotional impact. Shifting the way you think about your pain may not lessen it, but it may allow for more joy, peace, and purpose in your life.
Life is often unfair and has dealt you some blows. Therapy is a place to express complex emotions, vent frustrations, and process the challenges you face in your life.
While working with me, you will feel seen, heard, and validated. Together, we will give your pain a voice.
I will be with you as we journey together on this challenging path. Contact me for more information about how I can help you reduce chronic pain’s impact on your life.