Nikki chronic pain, coping, emotional state, mental health, Research

Regulating emotions with chronic pain

We all know chronic pain brings with it a hefty emotional toll. And we know that chronic pain does alter our neurotransmitter balance. A study from UNSW Sydney and NeuRA (published in the European Journal of Pain) found that people with chronic pain also have a specific imbalance of neurotransmitters in the part of the brain … Continue reading Regulating emotions with chronic pain

Nikki chronic illness, chronic pain, Hobbies, lifestyle, wellbeing

Writing about your pain

I have been a blogger for many, many years and I also write fantasy fiction. To me, there is something very powerful about creative writing when it comes to chronic pain management. Both when it comes to writing about my pain and when it comes to engaging in creative writing, which is fundamentally a passion … Continue reading Writing about your pain

Nikki chronic illness, chronic pain, coping with disability, disability, Discrimination, society, stigma

Disability Pride Month

In 2015, New York Mayor Bill de Blasio declared July as Disability Pride Month to celebrate the ADA’s 25th anniversary. Disability Pride Month commemorates the passage of the ADA (Americans with Disability Act) and promotes visibility and positive awareness, acceptance, and recognition, and educates others on being an ally. It’s also about reminding everyone that … Continue reading Disability Pride Month

Nikki chronic illness, coping with disability, disability, Discrimination, society, stigma

Imposter Syndrome and chronic illness

I have had Imposter Syndrome for really all my life. Along with 70% of the population, at some time or another. Imposter syndrome is that feeling that any successes you have had are due to luck or some external influences outside of yourself. And not your skills, talent or qualifications. The psychologists Pauline Rose Clance … Continue reading Imposter Syndrome and chronic illness

Nikki chronic illness, chronic pain

It’s July? Wow. Pandemic life sure does fly

Time for A Chronic Voice link-up prompts Prompts AgeingSufferingTransformingNavigatingVisualizing It's July? Already? Pandemic life sure does fly when you're doing absolutely nothing It's Canada Day today! Alberta is fully re-opening today as well but I don't expect I'll be jumping in to do anything for Canada Day. Bit too soon for me. I am double … Continue reading It’s July? Wow. Pandemic life sure does fly