Jokes About Disabled People Are Not Funny

I recently wrote about how much emphasis is put on looks. People often feel obliged to look a certain way to live up to society's expectations. But what happens when you can't change how you look? What happens when you have a visible disability? I've written about invisible illnesses a few times. Sometimes, people with …

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Why is Appearance so Important to People?

Since I don't go out much, I tend to sit in the house wearing comfortable clothes like leggings, tee shirts and hoodies. I don't give the mirror a second glance. I don't wear make up and my hair is probably all over the place. Nobody, apart from my husband, is going to see me, so …

How Chronic Pain or Illness is Affected by Stress

When we know we might be physically injured, we try to protect our bodies from the impact of the trauma by tensing our muscles. We do the same in a stressful situation. But instead of protecting us, the tense muscles can cause more problems. Chronic Pain or Illness Can Be Worsened by Stress Stress can …

Searching For a Diagnosis: Chasing the Cure

Do you ever watch those medical dramas on television and think, "Why can't my doctor be like that?"'House', 'The Good Doctor', 'Holby City' - the doctors see their patients and somehow figure everything out in no time at all. Even the afternoon drama, 'Doctors', set in a UK GP practice, can do it. They have …

Living with Pain or Illness – Life in the Slow Lane

Living with chronic pain or any type of chronic illness can often be like living life in the slow lane. My life is certainly like that. I have two speeds - slow or very slow. I know that I'm simply not fit for a different type of lifestyle. I accept that I need to live …

How to get Help in a Trigeminal Neuralgia Emergency

Despite taking medication correctly, trigeminal neuralgia can sometimes flare to unbearable levels. Things that normally help, like heat pads and cool packs, might not work. Sufferers use coping techniques like breathing, relaxation and distraction, but the pain still soars. They haven't been able to eat, drink or sleep for days. They struggle to cope. They …

How To Cope When You Are Feeling Judged

People who live with chronic pain or a chronic illness are often put under scrutiny. Most have felt judged at some time in their lives. Being Judged is Demoralising Friends, families, colleagues, doctors, social security and even strangers can all be guilty of judging people who live with chronic pain or illness. It's not helpful …

Pain Can Steal A Sense Of Purpose

Everyone who lives with chronic pain or illness knows how much it takes away. I could write a long list. Their health condition can just sneak into their lives like a thief and steal so much away from them. One thing it can often take is a sense of purpose. I am sure that I …

How to be Positive When Living With Pain

It can be extremely difficult living with chronic pain. It's very easy to become down and despondent at times and focus only on the negativity of the situation. Can Positivity Help Pain? We need to be honest about our pain and say how we feel at times. But can being more positive actually help our …

Doctors – the Good, the Bad and the Ridiculous

Doctors - we all need them at times. Good doctors are there to help, listen and support us. And thankfully, there are many good doctors in the world. There are doctors who are always prepared to go that extra mile for their patients.But unfortunately, not all doctors are good. Bad Medical Advice From Doctors Some …