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A MySpondylitisTeam Member asked a question πŸ’­
Halifax, NS
June 12
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Answer Summary

Members dealing with chronic pain opened up about how it fuels anger and irritability, with many relating to the feeling of being a normally... Read more

Members dealing with chronic pain opened up about how it fuels anger and irritability, with many relating to the feeling of being a normally calm person pushed to a breaking point by relentless symptoms and no relief in sight. Several members shared helpful strategies including breathwork, vagus nerve work like humming, cannabis, adaptogenic herbs, meditation, and sticking to a regular sleep schedule. A recurring theme was the importance of self-compassion, addressing root causes of inflammation, and taking real breaks to care for oneself before burnout sets in.

A MySpondylitisTeam Member

When it gets unbearable I try to sleep through the worst of it.

June 15
A MySpondylitisTeam Member

Check out the Whole Body Detox summitt I just posted a link to on the main page. I learn more from these Summitts than all my Specialists over the years combined. Maybe i can post the link here too...success!

https://wholebodydetox.org/emotions-thanks/?fir... @A MySpondylitisTeam Member.com

Trapped Negative Emotions - Thank You - Whole Body Detox Summit
Trapped Negative Emotions - Thank You - Whole Body Detox Summit
June 15
A MySpondylitisTeam Member

Thank you for your advice. Im certainly going to do more research and try to navigate this. Im very accustomed to chronic pain i guess im not use to not having a break here and there theses last few years. Thank u for reaching out to me its very helpful.

June 15
A MySpondylitisTeam Member

There is plenty of good reason for frustration Krista, especially when you're a high energy person being slowed down or stopped in your tracks by high level of widespread inflammation. It flattened me for the better part of 4 years. 2 more as I began to unravel and get rid of my causes and begin to regain my ability to walk and talk again. Talk about frustration driven anger! I definitely understand. You are not alone. I turned that type of frustration into self education (of chronic disease processes), a motionless redirect of energy. Frustration to anger is also a symptom of inflammation in the brain. A good reason to get to the bottom of your disease processes and causes so that you can begin to get rid of the causes. This is necessary to stop the anger and return to the active life you have been accustomed to previously. It's not easy at all, but is definitely doable. It doesn't come quickly, another source of frustration. I try to put a positive spin on that by telling myself it's just another opportunity for me to add another curb trophy as I kick each cause/condition to the curb in my healing journey. All the best to you, reach out anytime. Yours in better health P 😌 πŸ™

June 15
MySpondylitisTeam

Chronic pain and the emotions that come with it β€” anger, irritability, frustration β€” are completely valid responses. Living with spondylitis is genuinely hard, and those feelings make total sense. The good news is there are real strategies that can help take the edge off. One key insight from a pain psychologist is that Show Full Answer

Chronic pain and the emotions that come with it β€” anger, irritability, frustration β€” are completely valid responses. Living with spondylitis is genuinely hard, and those feelings make total sense. The good news is there are real strategies that can help take the edge off. One key insight from a pain psychologist is that pain has both a physical and emotional side. Anxiety about future pain or frustration about limitations can actually amplify the pain itself. Training your mind to stay in the present moment can help break that cycle.

Here are some approaches that may help:

- Mindfulness & meditation β€” Even just focusing on your breathing can calm your nervous system. Your mind will wander β€” that's normal. Just gently bring it back.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) β€” Helps you reframe unhelpful thoughts around pain
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) β€” Focuses on what matters most to you, even while living with discomfort
- Talk therapy β€” Working with a therapist who specializes in chronic pain can be especially helpful
- Gentle movement β€” Yoga, walking, swimming, or tai chi can release feel-good brain chemicals and reduce inflammation
- Self-care rituals β€” A short walk, quiet morning time, or a gratitude journal can restore a small sense of control

Finding even tiny moments of control can build patience and reduce irritability over time. You deserve that space.

June 12

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