The theme for the September 2011 Headache & Migraine Disease Blog Carnival is: "Building Resiliency: How do you bounce back when life kicks you in the chin? What can you share with fellow migraine & headache patients about how to build their coping skills to better handle unexpected, tough situations?"
Like the willow tree, people thrive if they have a strong,
healthy root system. A healthy body, sound mind, and a solid support system
provide resiliency to weather storms and remain strong.
Resiliency refers to one's ability to quickly recover (or "bounce back") from change or misfortune. I believe that it involves the ability to learn from life's lessons, allowing you to cope with (and grow from) your encounters with adversity. This means viewing troubles as being comprised of both risk and opportunity.
I first read the call for submissions for this blog carnival before I got hit with a horrible streak of painful days (that still hasn't dissipated - so, please forgive me, if this post seems choppy or incomprehensible). That being said, it's a good idea to keep a written account of some coping skills that you've used in the past (or that have been recommended to you by others) because it can be hard to remember these coping skills, in the middle of tough situations.
Try not to freak-out: First, I try to keep myself from freaking out. I live my life day-in and day-out with the ever-present possibility of a full-on pain flare-up. So, when the pain worsens, you never know how bad it's going to be... this time (even when pain is less severe, there's the fear of the next time the pain will flare).
Be mindful: I always have to be very mindful of what I do, but especially when times are tough. I have to take even more special care to do even the most essential activities (such as eat and sleep) well. If I don't take care of these basic needs, it'll only worsen the tough situation I'm facing.
Be patient: I have to try to be patient, especially with myself. I'm absolutely horrible at this! I don't like having to take breaks, and I haven't reached a point that I've completely accepted the limitations that I have (though I have gotten better with these). It's hard to tolerate and accept myself the way I am now, especially on those pain-crazed days. But, it's important to at least try to be patient and tolerant with yourself, and with others.
Reach out: Reach out to others for support. This can be a very difficult step for me. When I'm in the midst of a horrible bout of pain, it can be extremely hard to see anything beyond the pain. Just as it's difficult to reach out when depression hits, it can be hard to reach out in the midst of pain (especially chronic pain). My resources to reach out to include: family, online support group, friends, or even a professional.
Keep the faith: Through everything, I try to hold on to my faith, and find hope in the promises our Lord has given us. I try to focus more of my attention to prayer... it may be difficult sometimes, but it helps me cope. I have many songs and Scripture verses that help me through difficult times and remind me that I'm never alone, even in the toughest of times.
"Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him" ~ James 1:12
Each year, the Migraine Trust promotes Migraine Awareness Week to raise awareness of migraine as a serious health issue. Below are just some quick facts about migraine disease.
Migraine is a genetic neurological disease, characterized by episodes often called Migraine attacks (Migraine.com, 2010)
Among adults of all ages, migraine is one of the top 20 causes of disability expressed as years of healthy life lost to disability (The World Health Report 2001, WHO)
Severe migraine attacks are classified by the World Health Organisation as among the most disabling illnesses, comparable to dementia, quadriplegia and active psychosis (Shapiro & Goadsby, Cephalalgia, September 2007)
There are about 100 million people with headaches in the U.S.; about 37 million of these people have migraines. The World Health Organization suggests that 18 percent of women and 7 percent of men in the U.S. suffer from migraines (Migraine.com, 2010)
Migraine is the least publicly funded of all neurological illnesses relative to its economic impact (Shapiro & Goadsby, Cephalalgia, September 2007)
Many people experience migraines lasting for at least four hours or may last for days. The range of time someone is affected by an attack is actually longer than the migraine itself, as there is a pre-monitory, or build-up phase, and a post-drome that can last one to two days (Migraine.com, 2010)
Depression is three times more common in people with migraine or severe headaches than in healthy individuals (WHO, Factsheet 277, March 2004)
Migraine remains undiagnosed and undertreated in at least 50% of patients, and less than 50% of migraine patients consult a physician (Pavone, Banfi, Vaiani & Panconesi, Cephalalgia, September 2007)
If you, or someone you know, is in suicidal crisis or emotional distress, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Patients For A Moment (PFAM) is a patient-centered blog carnival to build connections within the community of people who blog about illness, disease, and disability. Phylor, at Phylor's Blog, is hosting the September edition of the PFAM blog carnival. This month, Phylor is calling for a personal playlist (for songs that inspire, elevate mood, give a shot of energy, etc...).
Music has always played an important role in my life. Sometimes it's the beat of the music that appeals to me... sometimes it's the lyrics that I relate with... and sometimes the combination is incredibly moving. I used to make CDs to listen to, while I warmed up for cross-country and/or track races. They'd get me pumped up, and they gave me something to play in my head during the race. Now, music tends to play more of a comforting role in my life.
I have many different types of music that I like to listen to, depending on my mood and what's going on in my life. Some of the songs that have moved me can be found on my other blog, Unfolding the Rosebud (some of the ones listed on that blog are also found below).
My faith is where I find my strength to keep going, so my most inspiring songs reflect that. I hope the artists and songs below will bless you.
Falling Inside the Black by Skillet
I must say that I enjoy listening to music by Skillet. Sometimes the songs just say what I can't say myself. Whenever I'm fighting feelings of depression and/or feeling separated from God, there's a specific song that helps me express that I'm just trying to hold on.
Falling in the black / Slipping through the cracks / Falling to the depths can I ever go back / Dreaming of the way it used to be / Can you hear me
Stronger by Mandisa
This song is such a strong reminder that God loves me unconditionally and will never forsake me. He knows the hurt I feel, and He will help me through even the most difficult of times.
'Cause if He started this work in your life / He will be faithful to complete it / If only you believe it / He knows how much it hurts / And I'm sure that He's gonna help you get through this
Before the Morning by Josh Wilson
This song fills me with hope. I truly believe that the Lord has something great planned for my life. I cannot see what it is, but I must place my trust in Him and continue to move forward in my life.
Would dare you, would you dare, to believe, / That you still have a reason to sing, / 'Cause the pain you've been feeling, / Can't compare to the joy that's coming / So hold on, you got to wait for the light / Press on, just fight the good fight / Because the pain you've been feeling, / It's just the dark before the morning
No Matter What by Kerrie Roberts This is one of the most moving songs I've ever heard. It's difficult to keep your faith in the Lord, especially when you're in pain ALL the time. But, God loves us no matter what. We need to trust and love God unconditionally, as well... no matter what.
No matter what, I’m gonna love You, / No matter what I’m gonna need You, / I know You can find a way to keep me from the pain / But if not, I’ll trust you, / No matter what, no matter what.
Angel By Your Side by Francesca Battistelli This song reminds me that I am blessed to have a few people in my life that I know feel the words of this song deep in their heart. I'm so grateful for each of these people.
I can't say that everything's ok, / 'Cause I can see the tears you're crying / And I can't promise to take the pain away / But you can know I won't stop trying.
What You Are by Jewel
This song is a reminder that we are enough. What we are is beautiful, good, strong, and bright enough. It's important to try to remember this, in the midst of pain and lowered self-esteem.
We already are what we are / And what we are is beautiful / And good enough / And strong enough / And bright enough
This song is an absolutely beautiful reminder of God's amazing love for us. When times are difficult, it's human nature to wonder "why?" and try to make sense of it. Asking "why?" doesn't mean that I don't trust Him, or that I love Him any less in the difficult times of life. Through my doubt, my faith is seeking understanding - it's not weakening, it's trying to grow stronger.
God knows what we need before we ask Him (Matthew 6:8). Especially in the midst of trials, though, it's difficult to consider that they're "mercies in disguise." But, God places the trials and obstacles that we need in our paths, so that we can grow and become the people He calls us to be. Sometimes He may overwhelm us with trials, so that we realize that we cannot do it all on our own, but must lean into His grace.It may be of some comfort to know that it's in the moments you feel weak and vulnerable that you're most ready to receive God's wisdom, peace, understanding, and strength
'Cause what if your blessings come through raindrops / What if Your healing comes through tears / What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near / What if my greatest disappointments / Or the aching of this life / Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can't satisfy / What if trials of this life / The rain, the storms, the hardest nights / Are your mercies in disguise
This song is a reminder that even though I'm not strong enough on my own, that I have a loving God that is strong enough for both of us.
I know I'm not strong enough to be / Everything that I'm supposed to be / I give up / I'm not strong enough / Hands of mercy won't you cover me / Lord right now I'm asking you to be / Strong enough / Strong enough / For the both of us
Bring the Rain by Mercy Me
This song expresses my soul's desire to praise my Lord with my life. I try to give God the glory, regardless of the situation I find myself in.
Bring me joy, bring me peace / Bring the chance to be free / Bring me anything that brings You glory / And I know there'll be days / When this life brings me pain / But if that's what it takes to praise You / Jesus, bring the rain
There Will Be A Day by Jeremy Camp
Jeremy Camp is my favorite musical artist. His music always speaks to my heart and soothes my soul. This song has really helped me through some of the toughest times. It's a reminder of the promise that our Lord has given us.
There will be a day with no more tears, / No more pain, and no more fears / There will be a day when the burdens of this place, / Will be no more, we’ll see Jesus face to face / But until that day, we’ll hold on to you always
This song further expresses my soul's desire to praise the Lord with my life. I know that He will never forsake me, so I know that I can handle whatever comes my way... as long as I continue to trust in the Lord.
And I will praise you in this storm / And I will lift my hands / For You are who You are no matter where I am / And every tear I've cried You hold in your hand / You never left my side and though my heart is torn / I will praise You in this storm
"Imagine a world where people with pain are believed. Imagine a world where people with pain are heard and shown respect and dignity. Imagine a world where pain is as important to manage or treat as any other disease. Imagine a World with Less Pain.
Imagine the possibilities — now is the time to rally together and speak out for the rights of the more than 116 million Americans who live with pain! You can help APF make a difference today. Speak out and tell President Obama what YOUR World with Less Pain would be like. Your submission will be used to secure a first-ever presidential proclamation, officially naming September National Pain Awareness Month." (American Pain Foundation)
Here are some ways that you can help build awareness:
Add your Voice!
Upload your video, photo, or written response describing what YOU could do If you lived in a world with less pain to the APF’s Facebook event page.
Share the Facebook event on your wall during September and encourage others to support a presidential proclamation by participating in this campaign.
Ask your friends, family members, neighbors, colleagues, and health care providers to "Like" and RSVP to APF’s Facebook event and submit a response to the “If I Lived in a Word with Less Pain, I Could…” campaign.
Change your Facebook profile image to the “If I Lived in a World with Less Pain” image.
I seem to be having a streak of painful days. I'm really not doing well, and my abortive meds don't seem to be helping much... neither does my stimulator (I've tried changing the program). I had a particularly rough night, and woke up this morning feeling absolutely horrible. I might give my doctor a call, since my meds aren't helping much, and the migraine pain has been going on since Saturday. It's just hard for me to think straight right now... and I really need(ed) today to be a productive day of unpacking some at the apartment. Anyway, below is something that I wrote about a week ago, at a time I didn't have a migraine... unfortunately, it's fitting today.
Pain has an element of blank;
It cannot recollect
When it began, or if there were
A day when it was not.
It has no future but itself,
Its infinite realms contain
Its past, enlightened to perceive
New periods of pain.
- Emily Dickinson
This poem is so powerful, to me. Dickinson seems to be speaking to both the timelessness and the dominance of pain. Pain is so overwhelming that, in the grip of pain, one cannot remember a time without pain... pain is all there is. And, the future seems to hold only continuing and relentless pain, where the sufferer's life and identity has been consumed by pain.
I think it's fitting that the poem personifies the pain; the person feeling the pain (i.e., the sufferer) is never referred to. I think that Dickinson deliberately wrote from the perspective of pain. Intense pain dominates the individual in such a way that it displaces everything else in his/her life.
In the grip of pain, everything else in your mind disappears... you are aware only of the pain. You are left completely in the moment, knowing nothing but pain (not when the pain began, nor if it will ever end). Pain can leave you with feelings of isolation, despair, and loneliness. When you've been in pain for so long, you oftentimes cannot remember a time when you weren't in pain ('an element of blank'), and you cannot see yourself ever feeling anything but pain.
Disclaimer: Nothing on this blog is intended as medical or legal advice.
What I write on this site is my own, and if it is someone else's, I take special care to attribute it to the original author. So, please don't use any of my material without proper attribution or permission. Thanks.
