Woody89New Contributor
Supporting a partner with chronic pain
My partner of 13 years has been dealing with chronic pain on and off for 10 or so years, but the last two have been particularly challenging. She started full time work (from home) a couple of months ago, which has been overwhelmingly positive, however in the last two weeks the pain has reared its head with full force and she is questioning whether or not she can continue. Despite the obvious physical discomfort the job is causing her, I feel the mental benefits are too great to give up on. I never want to push, but fear her potentially leaving the job may lead to a downward spiral. That debilitating sense of feeling overwhelmed by her various practitioners and the pain is taking its toll on her and I can see she is headed towards a very dark place. Sometimes I feel at a loss as to how I can best help/ that I'm not doing enough, but I too am exhausted and overwhelmed. I feel guilty even typing those words as I know her pain and associated depression are far greater than anything I have had to experience.