"The key to working with what is so deeply unwanted, is to let go of the ideas, (the thoughts), about how we shouldn’t be sick and what will happen to us if we remain sick. Somehow we have to respect the illness, welcome it, enter into it…we surrender and say, okay, what have you to teach me?…about letting go of control, about slowing down…about tasting the full experience of a moment…the light, the sound, the quality of our mood, of our pain, the sight of dust or birds or nothing special…respecting all that."
-Pema Chodrin
Chronic Pain, Diverse Abilities and CHRONIC Illness
Chronic pain and illness can deeply affect a person’s mental health.
When pain is ongoing or unpredictable, it creates a constant backdrop of uncertainty, anxiety, and frustration. This stress can further impact the body’s physical limitations, coping and daily functioning.
Sometimes this leads to feelings of isolation, sadness, and sometimes hopelessness. Chronic conditions, especially those that are invisible like congenital heart disease, can make individuals feel misunderstood or even trapped, as others may not understand what their experience is. When conditions and disabilities are visible, this can lead to being constantly aware of others noticing differences and perhaps feeling judged.
The mental toll can be extensive, leading to issues such as anger, shut down, depression, anxiety, and grief. It is hard to believe in your body when there is uncertainty, pain and a reliance on the medical system.
Therapy offers emotional support, a chance to process grief, and a path to cultivate inner strength, all of which are essential when navigating the ongoing nature of pain, illness, or any life-altering diagnosis. It can be a healing space for individuals and families to build resilience and find their own inner strength in the face of chronic illness. While the pain or diagnosis is there and may be lifelong, therapy provides tools and support to tolerate and withstand the emotional and psychological challenges that arise from it.
Through counselling, individuals can develop healthier coping strategies, learn to reframe their experience, and find meaning within their struggle. It can support both individuals and families by empowering them to reclaim a sense of self worth and dignity. With the right support, individuals can move from a place of feeling darkness and overwhelm to one of resilience and a foundation for healing, hope, and connection.
