Chronic Illness/Pain

  • What is Chronic Illness/ Pain?

    Chronic illness or pain refers to health conditions or discomfort that last for months or years, rather than resolving quickly like a short-term injury or infection. These conditions may affect daily life in subtle or profound ways, requiring ongoing care and adjustment. Unlike acute pain, chronic pain can persist even after an injury heals, often because of underlying medical issues, nerve sensitivity, or long-term diseases.

  • Symptoms of Chronic Illness /Pain.

    Symptoms vary depending on the condition, but they often include:

    Persistent or recurring pain

    Fatigue or low energy

    Limited mobility or stiffness

    Sleep disturbances

    Difficulty concentrating (“brain fog”)

    Emotional challenges such as frustration, sadness, or anxiety

    Feelings of isolation due to limitations or misunderstanding

  • How is Chronic Illness/Pain treated?

    We help individuals living with chronic illness or pain by addressing both the emotional and practical challenges that come with ongoing physical symptoms. Through approaches like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), clients can learn to gently shift their focus from struggling against pain to living a fuller life guided by personal values. Mindfulness practices help cultivate awareness and calm, easing the stress and anxiety that often intensify physical discomfort. When needed, psychodynamic therapy provides space to explore the deeper emotional impact of illness, including grief, identity changes, or past experiences that shape how a person relates to their body and health. Therapy is not about “curing” the pain, but about nurturing resilience, reducing emotional suffering, and helping individuals feel more empowered, connected, and hopeful as they navigate daily life with their condition.

  • Helping A Friend Or Loved One

    Supporting someone with chronic illness or pain involves:

    Listening without judgment and believing their experiences

    Respecting their limits—they may cancel plans or need rest unexpectedly

    Offering practical help, like running errands or preparing meals

    Checking in gently without pressure

    Encouraging self-care and medical follow-up

    Simply being present—sometimes the greatest gift is companionship

Chronic Illness/Pain FAQ

  • Yes. Many women take medication for depression, anxiety, or psychosis under a doctor’s supervision while breastfeeding.

  • It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.

  • It does. Women who have twins are more likely to report postpartum depression, and women older than 40 who have twins are at a markedly higher risk for postpartum depression.

  • It can. That’s why sleep is the first thing doctors focus on when diagnosing and treating postpartum depression. The best advise a new mother can heed is to sleep whenever your baby sleeps.