After reading quite a bit of research on how health professionals view pain of others, one thing struck me as odd, and a little unfair.
There seems to be a view that if someone is in constant pain, then the mental toll that takes on someone is too great for that person to feel happy a lot of the time.
Emotional changes, anger, sadness, depression, irritability: these are all considered telltale signs of pain.
So where does that leave someone like me? Is my pain less legitimate because I don't always feel those negative emotions? Is it wrong for me to feel happy most of the time, while simultaneously suffering physically?
Isn't it possible to separate one's view on life from one's view on pain? If I were to rate my life SOLELY based on health, sure I would be incredibly angry. Irate, in fact. Beaten down. Disheartened. Right ticked off. Sad. Depressed. Frustrated. Overwhelmed. But my life is full of so many other parts that have nothing to do with my negative health experiences.
It is perfectly okay to be happy AND ALSO be suffering. You can be both. You can be in excruciating pain and still laugh at a stupid joke your spouse makes. You can be frustrated and upset about your medical situation and also be thrilled with your personal life and the love filling that life.
It is okay to be happy.
It does not diminish how much pain you are suffering with. It does not de-legitimize your medical struggles.
All it means is that you have found a way to be happy in other areas of your existence.
It is also okay to be angry and depressed. It is okay to feel however you are feeling. Do not let anyone discount your pain just because of your emotions.
The only thing that is not okay, in my opinion, is treating others disrespectfully because of your own personal pain and suffering. There is a difference between being angry with the world over your situation and treating people badly just because you're angry.
Food for thought.
Embrace your happiness!!
