Erin Williams on Chronic Pain: Art, Trauma, and Finding Healing
Episode Overview
Erin Williams shares her journey with chronic pain and the impact on her art Discussion on the challenges of finding medical consensus for pain treatment Exploration of trauma, boundaries, and seeking help for emotional healing Insights into self-pity and the importance of validating one's feelings Erin's experiences highlight the complexities of living with chronic pain and the path to healing
What if I'm not making too big of a deal? That's when I started to heal.
What happens when chronic pain becomes more than just a physical burden? In this episode of 'Mental Illness Happy Hour', Paul Gilmartin sits down with Erin Williams, an author, illustrator, and healthcare researcher who has turned her personal battles with chronic pain into a source of artistic inspiration. Erin opens up about her journey, sharing how the constant struggle with pain and the health repercussions of past drinking habits have shaped her life and work.
Her new book, 'What's Wrong?: Personal Histories of Chronic Pain and Bad Medicine', dives deep into these themes, offering a raw look at the complexities of living with chronic pain. The conversation doesn't shy away from tough topics like trauma, setting boundaries, and the often frustrating search for effective medical treatment. Erin's candidness provides a relatable and validating experience for anyone grappling with similar issues.
Whether you're dealing with chronic pain yourself or supporting someone who is, this episode sheds light on the emotional toll and the path to finding self-care and validation.