Living with a chronic illness can be incredibly tough, both physically and emotionally. Dealing with chronic pain can overshadow the good things in your life and stir up a range of emotions, from anger and sadness to depression.
It can be difficult to cope with these emotions, especially if you are constantly in pain. However, it is important to remember that you are not alone. There are millions of people living with chronic pain who deal with similar emotions on a daily basis. And this week’s journal prompt is all about helping you healthily deal with them.
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Journal Prompt
How do you deal with the emotions that chronic pain stirs up? Do you bottle them up and wait for them to explode? Maybe you talk to a therapist or trusted friend. Emotional support is imperative when living with chronic pain.
Have you acknowledged that pain alters your emotional state?
Think about the emotions that pain creates, write about how you address them, and then brainstorm things that could help.
How I Deal With the Emotions That Pain Stirs Up
I allow myself to cry and scream when needed, but I also let myself laugh. It may sound counterintuitive, but laughter really is the best medicine. When I’m in a lot of pain, I try to find something to laugh about every day. It might be a silly meme on Instagram or a funny scene from a movie. Laughter helps me forget about the pain for a little while and just enjoy life.
I also journal about my chronic pain from fibromyalgia, psoriatic arthritis, endometriosis, and the fallout of a botched hysterectomy. Writing down my thoughts and feelings helps me process them and figure out how to deal with them. I often find that once I get my thoughts and feelings out of my head and onto paper, they are easier to process. Journaling is a form of self-care that has really helped me cope with chronic pain.
Final Thoughts
If you’re living with chronic pain, know that you’re not alone. There are millions of people all over the world who understand what you’re going through. And even though it may seem impossible some days, it is possible to be happy despite chronic pain. Laughter, journaling, and self-care are all great ways to cope with the emotions that pain stirs up.
New to journaling? Not sure where to start? Check out my Printable Chronic Illness Life Journal!
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