Chronic disease is defined as a long-term illness that can be treated, but not cured. Chronic illnesses such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, cystic fibrosis, and migraines are commonly thought of as occurring exclusively in adults; however, 15% to 18% of children fall victim to such diseases (Boyse et al, 2012). Adolescents with chronic disease are at an increased risk for psychological complications and their peer relationships are jeopardized. Chronic disease obviously causes the afflicted to experience physical pain, but mental health can also be compromised. “Studies on chronic pain and its relationship to quality of life in adolescents show positive relationships between pain and psychological distress” (Hunfeld et al, 2001). Children with
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They may isolate themselves in order to prevent being a burden to others, or because they do not feel accepted; which according to research, they may not be. Isolation leads to depression and anxiety. Healthy peer friendships provide support and compassion; but without that support, patients are more likely to fall victim to symptoms of depression. Patients are isolated by their peers because patients are different than the majority. Those without pain do not have a specific medication regimen, receive treatment, or see specialists that are hours away; therefore, those who must do those things are labeled at different. There is a correlation between pain and social anxiety. I believe this is because the more pain one is experiencing, the more challenging it is to conceal, and revealing pain causes discomfort for others. I have seldom isolated myself due to pain, but I do resort to keeping my issues to myself in order to minimize social awkwardness. Pain, especially in children, makes people uneasy or sympathetic; which is difficult to handle for the patient because there are few socially appropriate responses for accepting sympathy. I have not experienced major mental health problems because I am fortunate enough to have support from my family and friends as well as typically low levels of …show more content…
The 2002 study that identified sunny day friends and proper friends has proven accurate in my situation; however, proper friends are rare because humans are inherently selfish. People naturally care more about themselves than they do about other people. As I previously stated, discussing pain makes people uncomfortable, and it is uncommon that a person will disregard their feelings for the sake of another. I am no longer offended by sunny day friends because they simply do not understand what it means to live with chronic pain; therefore, it is impossible for them to empathize. Research revealed that lack of understanding is source of frustration, which I believe to be true. Adolescents without chronic pain cannot comprehend it, so they occasionally make insensitive remarks; although, in my circumstances, these remarks have usually been without malicious intent. For example, both peers and adults are shocked by my condition because of my age. This prompts them to share their previous opinion of arthritis being exclusive to senior citizens; only with less courteous rhetoric. Although offenders are commonly oblivious to their insensitivity, certain remarks still cause embarrassment or discomfort. Etiology proved to be inconspicuous in determining peer perceptions of a student with chronic pain because it simply is not of
They may isolate themselves in order to prevent being a burden to others, or because they do not feel accepted; which according to research, they may not be. Isolation leads to depression and anxiety. Healthy peer friendships provide support and compassion; but without that support, patients are more likely to fall victim to symptoms of depression. Patients are isolated by their peers because patients are different than the majority. Those without pain do not have a specific medication regimen, receive treatment, or see specialists that are hours away; therefore, those who must do those things are labeled at different. There is a correlation between pain and social anxiety. I believe this is because the more pain one is experiencing, the more challenging it is to conceal, and revealing pain causes discomfort for others. I have seldom isolated myself due to pain, but I do resort to keeping my issues to myself in order to minimize social awkwardness. Pain, especially in children, makes people uneasy or sympathetic; which is difficult to handle for the patient because there are few socially appropriate responses for accepting sympathy. I have not experienced major mental health problems because I am fortunate enough to have support from my family and friends as well as typically low levels of …show more content…
The 2002 study that identified sunny day friends and proper friends has proven accurate in my situation; however, proper friends are rare because humans are inherently selfish. People naturally care more about themselves than they do about other people. As I previously stated, discussing pain makes people uncomfortable, and it is uncommon that a person will disregard their feelings for the sake of another. I am no longer offended by sunny day friends because they simply do not understand what it means to live with chronic pain; therefore, it is impossible for them to empathize. Research revealed that lack of understanding is source of frustration, which I believe to be true. Adolescents without chronic pain cannot comprehend it, so they occasionally make insensitive remarks; although, in my circumstances, these remarks have usually been without malicious intent. For example, both peers and adults are shocked by my condition because of my age. This prompts them to share their previous opinion of arthritis being exclusive to senior citizens; only with less courteous rhetoric. Although offenders are commonly oblivious to their insensitivity, certain remarks still cause embarrassment or discomfort. Etiology proved to be inconspicuous in determining peer perceptions of a student with chronic pain because it simply is not of