Coping Story Example

Maya, 15 years old

Chronic migraine since she was 11

Maya spent two years trying to convince everyone. Then she stopped, and school got easier.

In her words

My life changed five years ago on Halloween. I accidentally hit my head on a locker. I thought I was fine, but the pain progressively worsened throughout the day and night and when I woke up the next day, I knew I wasn’t myself. After getting diagnosed with a concussion, I was told to expect about a month of recovery. No big deal, right? 

Wrong.  My journey to recovery was complicated. After my concussion I also developed “runner’s knee,” and then started experiencing pain all over my body. Going to school became increasingly challenging. I had constant migraines, brain fog, fatigue, nausea, as well as anxiety and depression.  I was eventually diagnosed with pain amplification syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, and some other related autonomic nervous system disorders. 

Programs like the Comfort Ability workshop were instrumental in my rehabilitation and adjustment; I learned how to cope with my pain and thrive despite it. For example, despite missing many days of school, I still did very well.  I also learned I could find happiness and peace in my life through self-care and meditation.

My journey to managing chronic pain included a fair share of ups and downs.  While I can’t say I’ve moved past all my medical issues, I can say that I have learned how to manage and accommodate them. I am a stronger, more empathetic person because of the pain and medical issues I’ve faced, and I am proud of how far I’ve come. Through treatment and rehabilitation, I learned so much about myself, my values, and the importance of friendship and family during tough times. I can confidently say I wouldn’t be who I am today without having experienced chronic pain.