Aug 20, 2021
people who are in pain don’t always look like they’re suffering. it’s especially common among chronic pain patients who’ve been ill for a long time, as well as autistic people.
going slack and moving as little as possible, including the muscles of the face, is in fact a sensible reaction to intense pain: it conserves energy. someone who looks outwardly relaxed or bored may be screaming on the inside.
if this is you, i just want you to know you deserve to be taken at your word when you say you’re in pain. you shouldn’t have to put on a fake grimace in order to give a convincing performance of what you’re actually going through.
if you have never experienced it yourself, please pass on this information so more people will be aware.
