No matter how mentally flexible or strong you are, we all have a breaking point. Unfortunately, many of us tend to push ourselves as far as possible until we reach this point, resulting in our becoming an emotional wreck in the process. We need to realize there’s no shame in admitting we’re reaching a point in which we’re starting to feel emotionally unstable and in need of assistance.
Just like the case of Hannah Moore, a young teen living with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). She is debating with her healthcare team because she would like her doctors to amputate her leg.
There’s no shame in reaching a breaking point, and that’s exactly Hannah’s position. Think about it.
Complex regional pain syndrome, also known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), is a long-term condition that often worsens with time. It is characterized by severe pain and sensitivity, swelling, and changes in the skin. It may initially affect one limb and then spread throughout the body.
This is Hannah’s daily existence.
What does it mean when you find yourself saying—or thinking—”I can’t take this anymore.”
We’ve all been there, yet these words don’t mean the same thing to everyone. People reach their breaking point in different ways. A person who balks under pressure may just stop responding entirely. Another person simmers, and then suddenly explodes.
Everything depends on how we relate to stress because reaching the breaking point happens when our ability to cope with stress breaks down.
And for Hannah and her CRPS debate, I can’t help but wonder why her own medical team won’t assist her in taking charge of her situation. She’s drawn the line in the sand and made a hard stop decision. She’s reached her breaking point, and she wants to move forward– without her leg. To learn more about her debate and experience, click here.
