– Trying to find a doctor who will help you and treat you humanly
– Finding a pharmacy that will fill you prescriptions with minimal harassment
– Going without sleep for long periods of time because the pain is so severe
– Trying to manage the impacts of illness on your relationships
– Dealing with feelings of guilt– Not being able to work and the financial stress that comes with it
– Not being able to get done all the things you need to
– Always having more medical bills to pay
– Dealing with feeling like a failure
– Managing new symptoms and trying to find out if they’re related to your conditions– Worrying about losing your access to treatment– Having to explain to people why you can’t do certain things
Life with chronic pain feels like you’re always riding a roller coaster which causes stress
Methods for dealing with the stress of chronic pain
1. Reading
Reading is my lifeline. A good novel always helps me to get outside my own problems and focus on something else. For people that have a hard time concentrating on print books, audiobooks are a great solution. I actually listen to audiobooks and podcasts while I’m falling asleep because it helps to distract me from anxious thoughts.
2. Helping someone else
Sometimes I need to stop focusing so much on myself and think of someone else’s problems. It helps me to realize that while chronic illness has taken over my life, plenty of other people have significant problems to deal with too. Of course, this isn’t always to right solution. Sometimes your pain is too much and you can only focus on yourself, and that’s okay.
3. Sunlight
While I can’t enjoy actual nature since I live in a city, it helps to go outside in my backyard and soak in some sunlight. Sun almost always improves my mood, and an improved mood helps me to deal with what is stressing me out.
4. Friends
Laughter is always the best medicine, which usually comes when I spend time with friends. It just helps to connect with other people. Even if you don’t feel well enough to connect with someone in person, call them on the phone, text them, etc.
5. Music
Music has always had the power to sooth my soul. Listening to calm music helps me to relax. People have even studied the benefits of music therapy for chronic illness and found a positive relationship.
6. Surround yourself with things that make you happy
Make sure your home is a place that makes you feel peaceful. If you’re stuck in bed because of the pain, decorate it with comfortable items and bright colors. Even if it’s only a soft blanket, sometimes it’s the smallest things that make you feel better.
7. Connect with other people going through the same thing
Thanks to the internet we call interact with people who are living with the same conditions, and we can do it every day if we want to. Join a support group so you have a safe place when you’re feeling stressed and overwhelmed. Not every support group is going to be the right fit, but if you try several different groups you should eventually find one that works for you.
Chronic illness sure does create a lot of stress for us. Friends, sunlight, and podcasts are what get me through the day. Exercise as well, but I recognize that’s not a possibility for everyone based on their limitations.