"As a life-long survivor of severe bipolar disorder, I've learned to navigate the shoals of mental illness with some degree of dexterity. I protect my mental health the way I'd guard a fragile child or animal: vociferously, and with constant attention. I try never to look the other way, lest depression or mania sneak up on me and sideline my careful recovery."
"It started in August last year, when an Uber driver ran a red light and struck my car, totaling both vehicles. Not long after the accident, I began experiencing pain in my neck and right shoulder. I didn't give it much heed at first, thinking I must have over-exerted myself, or maybe the stress of buying a new car was getting to me. But as the pain grew worse and refused to yield to over-the-counter meds."
Chronic physical pain began after a car accident and has persisted despite extensive medical interventions including physical therapy, trigger-point injections, MRIs, an epidural, and Botox. Ongoing pain produces anger, agitation, anxiety, and depressive symptoms that threaten mental stability and recovery. Anger commonly arises in response to chronic pain, but relief depends on changing the relationship to pain through mindfulness, acceptance, and self-compassion. Acceptance and self-compassion reduce suffering more effectively than resistance or persistent anger, and psychological strategies are necessary to manage mood when pain is open-ended rather than time-limited.
Read at Psychology Today
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