Art is far more effective at communicating the pain experience than words ever could be. The pain experience goes beyond the actual occurrence of physical pain and encompasses the entirety of one's life. The pain experience can be both negative and positive.

The negative pain experience can include multiple surgeries, painful treatments such as injections, having to ingest many different types of medications that may produce unpleasant side effects, the destruction of relationships including marriages and friendships, feelings of isolation and being trapped, poor self-image and self-hatred, chronic depression, insomnia, suicide, frustration in trying to find quality medical treatment, frequent battles with insurance companies and lawyers, and difficulty living off disability payments. Since chronic pain frequently cannot be seen, unlike a broken arm, many with pain are not believed by doctors, colleagues, friends or family. This lack of belief is especially damaging to those living with chronic pain.

Although no person would ever volunteer to have chronic pain, the pain experience can impact one's life in positive ways. "What does not kill you makes you stronger," is an applicable quote. It is not unusual for people with chronic pain to develop greater inner strength, and to become more introspective which leads to better self-understanding. Chronic pain may change the course of one's life and result in a more satisfying path. It is not unusual for those in pain to begin the pursuit of a spiritual path which can greatly enhance life.

ART GALLERIES
Portraits of Pain - Suffering - Pain Visualized - But You Look So Normal
God and Religion - Isolation and Imprisonment - Miscellaneous - Unconditional Love - Hope and Transformation