People living with chronic pain want those around them to understand their experience and how it affects their lives. Here’s a list of things we would like you to know:

1. **Chronic Pain is Invisible but Real**: Just because you can’t see our pain, it doesn’t mean it’s not there.

2. **Pain Varies Daily**: The intensity of pain can change from day to day. We might have good days and manage a smile, but there can also be days when the pain is overwhelming.

3. **It’s Not Just Physical**: Chronic pain often comes with emotional and mental health challenges, like anxiety or depression. The constant battle with pain can take a toll on mental well-being.

4. **Tiredness Goes Beyond Normal Fatigue**: The energy it takes to manage constant pain can lead to profound fatigue that rest doesn’t always alleviate. This isn’t the same as being tired after a long day; it’s exhaustive.

5. **Chronic Pain is a Full-Time Job**: Managing pain involves appointments, therapies, medications, and lifestyle adjustments which can feel like a full-time undertaking.

6. **Simple Tasks Can Be Challenging**: Actions that may seem easy or automatic to others, can be incredibly difficult for someone in chronic pain.

7. **We Are Not Drug Seekers**: People with chronic pain are often treated with suspicion when they seek medication, we are not addicts but are trying to live a functional life despite the constant pain. Refrain from judgment.

8. **Plans are Tentative**: Committing to social plans is tough because it’s hard to predict how they’ll feel on any given day. Cancellations don’t mean they are flaky; they simply might be having a bad pain day.

9. **Pain Can Lead To Isolation**: Chronic pain may cause us to cut back on socializing and hobbies which can lead to feelings of isolation, so staying connected is crucial even when we can’t participate as before.

10. **What Works For You May Not Work For Us**:

We know you’re trying to help when you give advice but it can often feel dismissive and judgmental when someone says “Just do ____!”. Because:

1. It’s not a one size fits all situation,

2. We probably did try

3. It’s not as simple as that

4. You don’t know our body better than we do.

Gentle advice is sometimes okay but check before you speak.

Remembering these points could help you provide more meaningful support to those in your life who suffer from chronic conditions involving chronic pain.