As a chronic pain patient, this is not surprising. I am lucky in that I have never been suicidal.

My chronic pain has affected my ability to work and function as an independent adult at the most basic level. I was 28 and needed a motor scooter at the grocery store.

My family and friends didn’t understand. My family finally came around, but I lost at least six best friendships I thought would go the distance. Some have been mended. Most haven’t.

My workplace became extremely hostile to me. Causing more stress. Causing more pain.

The world doesn’t understand your suffering. It will always be hard for them to do so. You will always be fighting - with yourself, with your limits, with your body, and with everybody else.

So the fact that these two statistics line up makes so much sense to me.