When you go through something firsthand, it can totally change the way you view things, for better or worse. I recently stumbled across a Reddit thread where people shared the kinds of pain you can’t truly understand until you experience it yourself. Here are the most eye-opening responses:
Note: This post contains mentions of mental illness and pregnancy loss.
1.“The pain of watching your child experience pain, and not being able to help.”
2.“Betrayal, and more, when people around you knew about something, and you didn’t. Later, to find out you were the only idiot in the plotline.”
—u/Leading-Ear6312
3.“Depression. I would rather break every bone in my body than relive the period of time I was at my lowest mentally and emotionally.”
—u/Ashie_xo82
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4.“Migraines. I know some people who think it’s just a bad headache.”
5.“Death of a loved one.”
—u/wood-fired-stove
6.“Endometriosis. No, it’s not just a bad period.”
—u/RinnelSpinel
7.“Losing a pet. 😢”
8.“Infertility. IVF and other fertility treatment (physically, mentally, emotionally), especially when it is unsuccessful. Pregnancy loss. Miscarriage.”
—u/knottoday__
9.“Caring for a loved one with dementia.”
—u/RedheadBanshee
10.“The day after you break a bone. The initial break doesn’t hurt after a bit because it goes all numb, but that night/the next day, sheeeesh, you’re gonna feel it.”
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11.“Absence of support during a tough time.”
—u/azorianmilk
12.“IUD insertion.”
—u/Early_Goose11595
13.“Grief.”
14.“Being stalked.”
—u/NowYouRunningScared
15.“I once thought I’d lost my child in a busy public space. For about five minutes, I was in hell. I wouldn’t wish losing a child on my worst enemy.”
—u/Confident_Bee1447
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16.“Childbirth.”
17.“Postpartum depression.”
—u/No_Package3942
18.“Addiction.”
—u/necessarypretzel
19.“Menstrual cramps. Severity depends on individual experience, but I’ve given birth, and my worst cramps were as bad as some of my contractions.”
20.“Unrequited love.”
—u/MeGaManMaDeMe
21.“Plantar fasciitis, which then gives anxiety in anticipation of every step.”
—u/HappilyRetiredGuy
22.“Arthritis. All day, every day.”
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23.“Panic attacks. They sound so basic and trite, like OK, sure, calm down. But I wouldn’t wish them on my worst enemy. Pure torture.”
—u/shimmrbitch
24.“Schizophrenia. It’s romanticizing madness in pop culture; the reality is terrifying.”
—u/CommercialMechanic36
25.“Real, genuine heartbreak. The kind where you are taking painkillers for any relief in your chest.”
26.“Hitting your limits quietly and still being expected to function like nothing’s wrong.”
—u/drummonkey2010
27.And finally, “Chronic pain. Nothing grinds you down as a person quite like dealing with constant pain, day in, day out, knowing that there is no end in sight and likely never will be. People who haven’t experienced this kind of pain have no idea.”
—u/ExcellentLettuce4
What kind of pain do people underestimate? Share your story in the comments, or submit anonymously using the form below. Your response might be featured in an upcoming Community post!
Note: Some responses have been edited for length and/or clarity.
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