A review by sshabein
How to Live Well with Chronic Pain and Illness: A Mindful Guide by Toni Bernhard

5.0

When I was first diagnosed with myalgic encephalomyelitis, AKA the improperly named chronic fatigue syndrome, Toni Bernhard's first book, How to Be Sick, was tremendously helpful. And 8 years later, this third book of hers is just as relevant to me as that previous title I will likely have more thoughts on this book soon, but I recommend it for anyone trying to get through life as a chronically ill person, even if you think you "know" what to do. It also contains a lot of helpful reading for the caregivers, friends, and family members in a sick person's life. We're not going to get better, barring some advancement in medical science, so instead, let's find a way to make peace with our circumstances.

"It's impossible to write about chronic pain and illness without the subject of misconceptions coming up. The challenge of responding skillfully to the emotional pain of being misunderstood by those around us is a theme that runs throughout this book because it's a challenge that the chronically ill face at almost every turn."