The five stages of the grieving process appear to apply well to chronic pain sufferers. If you are a person who suffers with chronic pain, or know someone who does, think about these stages and consider if you have or are experiencing any of them. The first stage is Denial and Isolation. When people learn or realize that they will be living with chronic pain the remainder of their lives they often may deny it. This pain will surely go away, they just haven't found out what to do.
Denial is a normal initial response to loss.
We want to believe that it is not happening. We often feel very alone in this stage. The second stage of grief is Anger. There may be actual anger outbursts, often directed at the health care providers, family, or self. Many people with chronic pain are filled with rage over the substantial changes in their lives.