What I Wish People Understand About Chronic Pain

September 23, 2020 | by Tess

Chronic pain is an invisible illness- there is very little information known about the topic and everyone’s pain is unique. I try to avoid explaining my story with NDPH and how I feel, but sometimes I have to tell people. Even though I know how to advocate for myself, I still do not like telling people about my pain condition. Most people don’t understand or think I want sympathy from them- which is the last thing I want. Over the course of these 3.5 years, I have gotten different reactions: from people being very understanding to people telling me that it’s just a headache. Here are three things I wish people understand about chronic pain.

1- Yes, I am constantly in pain

One thing that people have a hard time comprehending is that I am constantly in pain, 24/7. The next thing they say is that I don’t seem that way. That’s because everyone hides their pain differently. For me, I hide my pain by smiling and always being sarcastic. For someone else, that may be different.

2- Just because I am able to function at a high level one day doesn’t mean I will always be like that

Chronic pain can be very draining. One day I will feel great and the next day I will wake up with a throbbing headache. One of the pain management tools I use frequently is distraction; if I have a lot to do I don’t think about my pain as much. Some days I will be busy the whole day, taking needed breaks, and other days I will have a spike in my headache and be in bed for the majority of the day. Chronic pain can be different each day. Some days I will be at my high and other days I will be at my low.

3- Yes, there will be times where I have to cancel plans because I am not feeling well

When I was first diagnosed with NDPH, I always felt guilty when I had to cancel plans because of my headache. I did not tell my friends about my condition, so I would find another excuse or say I have something to do. After having NDPH for 3.5 years, I now know that I should never feel guilty for prioritizing my health.