How to be sick: challenges faced by those with chronic pain and illness

<p>"I write in my book, 'I know from experience that nothing positive comes from directing blame at yourself.' When it comes to chronic illness (which includes chronic pain), it’s crucial to remember that you are not the enemy. Anyone can get sick, physically or mentally, and anybody can develop chronic pain. I just got an email from a women who turned 20 last month and has been in chronic pain for most of her young life. Chronic pain and illness come with the human condition. It’s not your fault when they come calling. Don’t make things worse by adding self-blame to the mix. Instead, add self-compassion to help alleviate your emotional suffering."</p> <p><a href="http://www.tonibernhard.com/Bio.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Toni Bernhard</a> is a patient advocate and the author of <a href= "https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1614296766/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=kevcom-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=1614296766&linkId=de43a5176ad17d67d1b39f4751c166cf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">How to Be Sick: Your Pocket Companion</a>. (<a href= "https://amzn.to/3pCHcb9">https://amzn.to/3pCHcb9</a>)</p> <p>She shares her story and discusses her KevinMD article, "<a href="https://www.kevinmd.com/blog/2020/09/10-challenges-faced-by-those-with-chronic-pain-and-illness.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">10 challenges faced by those with chronic pain and illness</a>." (<a href= "https://www.kevinmd.com/blog/2020/09/10-challenges-faced-by-those-with-chronic-pain-and-illness.html">https://www.kevinmd.com/blog/2020/09/10-challenges-faced-by-those-with-chronic-pain-and-illness.html</a>)</p> <p><em>This episode is sponsored by <a href= "https://www.us.elsevierhealth.com/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">Elsevier Health</a> (https://www.us.elsevierhealth.com/). Looking to update your personal or professional medical library? Shop Elsevier Health’s Holiday Sale and save up to 35% on your purchase of medical books! Plus, you can take an extra 5% off your order with co