By Nayeli R. Hevezi

Chronic pain will always be frustrating and exhausting. However, the pain shouldn’t make us lose sight of the beauty around us. With the current state of the world, it’s hard to look for the little things that make what’s going on less scary, especially when you have chronic pain. A flare-up plus global warming? No, thank you!

Teenagers with chronic pain tend to have our lives planned around our pain. We constantly have to make sure that we are feeling strong enough or well enough to partake in activities and participate in normal teenage things. But recently, I have found that my pain doesn’t define me. You’re allowed to have fun and live your life with joy and happiness. You shouldn’t have to sacrifice your own happiness and enjoyment for your pain.

For example, I recently finished writing my debut novel, Annotation, which revolves around two teenagers, one of whom has chronic pain. The book is a rom-com but also ties in what it’s like to be a teenager with chronic pain. It shows how even with the pain we experience, it doesn’t mean we have to stop looking for the light in the world. I wrote this book as a way to cope with my own pain and feelings regarding being a teenager and dealing with chronic pain, and it is my hope that my book can reach other teenagers who can relate and find a safe escape within my book.

In addition to my book, in autumn of 2024 I created a book account on Instagram. I created it after seeing many teenagers post about books and shared interests. I decided to join the book community on Instagram as a way to post about my own interests and to meet other like-minded individuals. And much to my delight, I have met hundreds of people because of my book account. I have found real friends who support me and never fail to make me laugh.

Along with those friends, I have also found friends who have chronic illnesses and experience similar chronic pain to me. We are able to connect on so many levels, which makes our friendship feel deeper and more meaningful. I have found that even just talking to them for a few minutes can turn a bad day into a good one. Having friends who are able to empathize with what we experience is always a heartwarming feeling.

Research regarding chronic pain is nowhere close to where it needs to be. As teenagers who are already dealing with enough stress in our lives, having that extra pain completely wears us out, so having one or two good friends who are able to be there for you when you’re in pain is amazing!

Our pain does not need to overshadow the sweetness in our lives. Finding hobbies that distract you or allow you to cope with your pain may end up turning into a passion of yours, and hopefully you can allow some whimsy into your life.

—by Nayeli R. Hevezi