By Dana - Migraines can take center stage in our lives at any time. It happened to me fifteen years ago, during a very rough period in my personal life. On that November 16th, my father died. On that December 27th, my husband and I were in a car accident. On the following January 9th, … Continue reading Pain Diaries: Thank God For Dresden
By Jeannette - In light of the opioid overdose epidemic, there has been much discussion lately about “pain acceptance.” There have been cries from doctors for patients with chronic pain to “accept” their pain. However, are the talking points truly referencing acceptance, particularly active acceptance, or is what they are calling for really resignation by … Continue reading Chronic Pain Acceptance vs. Resignation
By Brittany - We live in a society that is constantly go, go, go. All too often, success is measured in the grandiose accomplishments like getting a promotion, taking the next step in a relationship, starting a family, buying a house, or accomplishing the goal of being able to afford your dream vacation. While all … Continue reading 9 Ways to Find Gratitude in the Little Things
By Wanda - Many people struggle during the holiday season. It’s a well known fact special days bring out both the best and worst in humans. (Please note: dogs are pretty much always happy and cats just don’t care.) We are reminded of those who passed away, those we’ve chosen to remove from our “friend … Continue reading Thriving Through Thanksgiving
By Wanda - I was pretty young when the differences in thought patterns made themselves evident. It was maybe third grade when depression made itself evident in my life; the anxiety had always been with me. By sixth grade the trouble was evident enough that my family talked to the doctor, the pastor, and was … Continue reading World Mental Health Day: What it Means to Me
By Liza - In December of 1997, I made the decision to leave my husband. This decision came after four years of being emotionally and physically abused. This decision came after repeatedly leaving him and taking our two young daughters to live at my parents’ house where, ultimately, he would manipulate me enough through apologies and … Continue reading Escaping & Surviving Domestic Abuse
By Mary (Guest Writer) - I was scrolling through my Youtube feed when I came across a video by that title. My heart skipped a beat. “Will I watch it or keep scrolling down?” I asked myself. But deep down, I wanted to watch it for 2 reasons -- I was also diagnosed with a mental … Continue reading People Share Secrets About Their Mental Health Journey
By Jeannette - There are many causes of chronic pain--an accident or injury, inflammatory or neurological condition--but no matter the cause, chronic pain impacts our emotions. There is an intersection between physical pain and emotional well being. It is important to discuss this interplay, as well as strategies to address these difficult emotions to improve … Continue reading The Emotional Rollercoaster of Living with Chronic Pain
By Brittany - I see you’re going through a tough time, and I want you to know you’re not alone. I know, that probably isn’t very comforting right now, because you feel completely alone and I’m not there to sit with you in the dark. But I see you. I hear your silent cry … Continue reading An Open Letter to Anyone Going Through a Tough Time: You’re Not Alone
By Liza - We all experience anxiety at some point in our lives. Anxiety is simply how you react to certain stimuli that surrounds you. It’s how you react or respond to an annoying co-worker who won’t allow you to concentrate on your work, or how you respond to your child who has left their … Continue reading Calming the Anxiety of Chronic Pain
