beyond the self.

We’re going to feel pain, might as well feel it while helping others.

Prisoners who had nothing beyond themselves to live for didn’t live. We see this in everyday trauma, too: people who are unable to reach beyond themselves to find meaning have to turn to more destructive coping mechanisms to handle the pain life throws at them. They chase achievements, they overwork, they form addictions, they act out, they fall... See more

One thing we talked about was how to detox patients who have developed an opioid addiction because of their pain. A detox, Mom said, takes about six weeks. During that time, the patient is in such a cognitive haze that it is impossible to do any pain rehabilitation. All you can do is give them medication for the anxiety attacks and find ways to... See more