Living with Chronic Pain: The Exhaustion of Pretending

I know exactly this feels and it's exhausting

the stress of it just adds on to the pain i already feel. some days im like.. ok so am i in pain enough to mention it. do i say im not ok when my mom asks me. do i shrug it all off. it's a struggle to be honest with doctors as well. they simply don't understand what it is like to go to take a step and feel every part of your body hurt like heck. they dont get that "move around and you'll feel better" DOESNT FREAKING WORK. they dont take me seriously. ill be at a 10 pain but not cry-- why? because we are all so used to the pain that no tears are left- just numb.

Truth. I'm learning to let go of trying to "pass" as pain free and able-bodied all the time. When I constantly hide the pain people are shocked and confused when I have a REALLY bad flare. Be true to yourself 💕

It is very exhausting

For real… I don’t think people take into account the mental toll as well as the physical.