We have to stop beating ourselves up when we are in pain

November 10, 2022

Chronic pain reminds me of a bully that picks on kids in the schoolyard every day. Like the bully, chronic pain does not follow any rules and after multiple beatings, we can lose our sense of self. This was the case for me when I developed a painful neurological movement disorder called dystonia in 2001. It is not uncommon to then feel weak and not as worthy as others or as worthy as we once were. To make things worse, we beat ourselves up for not being as competent prior to our health issue. No matter what we do, it is never enough if we don’t measure up to our former selves. This is a HUGE challenge for many of us with chronic pain to overcome, but we must end this personal torture!

This may come as a surprise, but in many ways, I think we are stronger than we were before our health conditions began. Dystonia and chronic pain have probably been one of the greatest challenges of my life. It takes a special person to handle all we do, having to overcome so much pain and unexpected obstacles, and persevere every day. If we continue to get up every morning and try to make a life for ourselves to the best of our ability given our circumstances, we are doing far more than we often give ourselves credit.

We have to remember that the symptoms can be so brutal that we sometimes wonder if it is even worth getting out of bed, especially if you also suffer from depression and anxiety as I once did. But you do and that needs to be honored. If you go a step further and take a shower, eat breakfast, check emails… whatever it may be, honor that! Acknowledge every effort! It doesn’t matter what your life was before your health condition began. What matters is what your life is now, in this very moment, and everything you do to make it the best you possibly can. Life before was easier for most of us. don’t use THAT as your measuring stick. Measure yourself against your darkest moments and the progress you make, no matter how big or small. This is what matters most in life.

Others in the same boat as me, especially the many people I now with dystonia, often tell me that they feel that they have not accomplished anything since dystonia started; that they feel like they are “not enough.” This is an inaccurate and harmful perspective. Is it not an accomplishment to carry on with life and still seek happiness when dealing with chronic pain and other symptoms? I bet you seek it and value it more now than you ever did. This gratitude shows massive personal and spiritual growth.

The mental strength it takes to persevere in the face of adversity is far more an accomplishment than living a life with few obstacles, or obstacles that are easily overcome, as many were before life with dystonia or other health condition. Acknowledge your willingness to keep living as fulfilling a life as possible and stop beating yourself up. We all need to vent and grieve. However, if we are always angry, it increases stress which increases symptoms, and no amount of anger will ever make your pain go away.

When the Japanese mend broken objects, they aggrandize the damage by filling the cracks with gold.
They believe that when something’s suffered damage and has history, it becomes more beautiful.

The gold is not meant to fix us. It is meant to add a new dimension to our being, much like when we are forced, by change or circumstance (i.e. dystonia), to create a new life. By doing so, we become more willing and able to accept any situation. When we come to understand and accept that life is difficult, we learn to be okay with what is not okay… and this, I promise all of you, is the key to healing. It took me 10 of my 21 years suffering with dystonia to come to this realization, and it has changed my life. Please see my book to learn how I do this, as well as the many patient testimonials I included. Once we truly understand and accept that life is difficult, it no longer matters and suffering is eliminated.

Edited excerpt from: Diagnosis Dystonia: Navigating the JourneyClick here to get a copy.

Tom Seaman is a Certified Professional Life Coach in the area of health and wellness, and the author of 2 books: Diagnosis Dystonia: Navigating the Journey and Beyond Pain and Suffering: Adapting to Adversity and Life Challenges. He is also a motivational speaker, chronic pain and dystonia awareness advocate, health blogger, volunteer for the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation (DMRF) as a support group leader, and is a member and volunteer writer for Chronic Illness Bloggers NetworkThe Mighty, and Patient Worthy. To learn more about Tom, get a copy of his books (also on Amazon), or schedule a free life coaching consult, visit www.tomseamancoaching.com. Follow him on Twitter @Dystoniabook1 and Instagram.

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3 responses to “We have to stop beating ourselves up when we are in pain”

  1. Susan Cheslin says:

    Thank you for sharing your experience, knowledge and pain regarding this debilitating painful condition.

  2. Denise Gaskell says:

    Thank you Tom for putting into words my thoughts.

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