News And Updates
The Chronic Pain Zine got reviewed in the most recent issue of Maximum Rocknroll:
When Language Runs Dry #1
What does it mean to have chronic pain and to be a part of a subculture like punk that often ignores issues of disability/immobility? How can allies of those who experience chronic pain make changes in their actions and in their communities to better suit the needs of all involved? How does chronic pain come to mark one’s identity and render them invisible to our larger culture? How are those who do not experience this pain implicated in the erasure of other peoples’ identities? This zine’s first piece is a perfect starting point for thinking about these issues, as the author lays out her definitions of pain before and after being diagnosed with Degenerative Disc Disease. Concepts of pain that were once tangible and rooted in concrete injuries with direct solutions for healing and easily identifiable modes of prevention may no longer feel relevant with the onset of chronic pain. This compilation of seven writings on chronic pain and illness is essential reading for those who experience chronic pain, as well as for their allies who aim to gain greater understanding of the pain experience. As a person who has never experienced chronic pain or serious illness, I found this zine to be helpful in its ability to illuminate both the emotional and physical challenges that people face, as well as the questions people like myself must examine in order to better care for our loved ones. The essays inside cover issues of capitalism’s influence on the way we view illness, the impact of race/gender/class on peoples’ experiences with pain, as well as, societal pressures to be “brave” in the face of trauma. The contributors aim to put words to unspeakable experiences and indescribable sensations. For those who are searching for concrete ways to heal from chronic pain, and for those who seek a direct plan for helping those who have chronic pain, this zine may not contain the answers. If anything, the writing within points exactly to the intangible and amorphous qualities of chronic pain, healing and support. It is imperative that people begin having dialogs about how to support each other in the realm of health and accessibility, and zines like this one are important steps in understanding the needs of community members. I’m excited that this is an ongoing project and can’t wait for the next issue.
-Diane Anastasio
from Maximum Rocknroll #310
Handmade Bazaar
buy/sell/trade
Sunday, December 14th
at p:ear
338 NW 6th Ave.
Portland, Oregon
sale runs from 12noon-5pm
http://www.handmadebazaar.org
Featuring 75 local crafters! Fun, food + music. Come support local arts and crafters and buy handmade for the holidays!
www.handmadebazaar.org
Chronic pain is defined as pain that persists for more than six months. It is often mysterious and goes undiagnosed, but can stem from injury, illness, surgical complications, or can be an inherited condition. Because it is a condition that is invisible, pain often goes without treatment or validation. The chronic pain experience is not just about the physical sensations, but also has serious emotional and social implications.
Finding good information and meaningful dialogue about chronic pain can be challenging. Many of the resources out there are very clinical, too general, or are written from outside the pain experience. There are few voices by folks with chronic pain about their struggles and how they keep living as full a life as possible. This zine attempts to begin to fill the empty space with a diversity of voices telling their stories. We hope that by publishing these essays people will feel a greater sense of permission to speak out. Further, we hope to create more community for those with chronic pain and their allies.
This zine is a collection of 7 essays about chronic pain and caregiving. Issue one contains essays on identity, invisibility, capitalism, bravery and hopefulness as they relate to the experience of chronic pain. Additional essays on caregiving and care in activist communities.
Beautiful two color hand silk screened covers. 48 pages, 1/2 letter sized. Published in Aug. 2008.
Available at my etsy shop: nevertwice.etsy.com
Here’s a peek at the screen printed cover of the first issue of our (almost finished) chronic pain zine! Printed by Claire, Katie, Jeremy and Meredith. Cover design by Henry Rodriguez: www.tattoosbyhenry.com
Claire and I are madly working to finish up the first issue of our Chronic Pain Zine. We’ll have a table at the Portland Zine Symposium - Aug 23rd and 24th at Portland State University. Come and visit us there and get your copy first, fresh off the presses. I’ll post a sneak peek soon!
I’ve started an Etsy Shop for small vintage collectibles and craft notions. I just listed my first batch of things today!
Please take part in my yet-to-be named Chronic Pain Zine project. I am looking for anyone interested in submitting writing or easy-to-reproduce visual art/comics on the subject and experience of Chronic Pain.
Personally, I’m not as interested in pain management (drugs, therapies, treatments) as in the social and emotional aspects of living with chronic pain. I want to hear about the way persistent pain impacts people’s lives, relationships, and the way that they inhabit their bodies and communities. How has the pain experience informed how you identify yourself, how you feel about your body, and how you ask for help? In what way has pain pushed you toward change? Ideally this zine will be about support, sharing, and respecting what we’ve been through with pain. Below are some ideas I’ve brainstormed for pieces… anyone want to run with any of these topics?
- Asking for help in a Do-It-Yourself community
- Body Image / Identity and Chronic Pain
- Sex and Chronic Pain
- Chronic Pain and Introspection / Change
- Relationships and Chronic Pain
- Creativity and Chronic Pain
- Mental Health / Depression and the Pain Experience
- The Invisibility of Pain
- Upbringing / How were you raised to approach pain?
- Book Reviews / Chronic Pain Reading Guide
- Your ideas go here….
Additionally: are you a punk rock health care practitioner - or - a partner to a person in pain? What ideas and stories about care giving and support do you have to share?
This project and its time line are just taking shape but I’d love to hear from interested participants ASAP, and have set a July 1st deadline for pieces. Please repost, tell your friends, and pass this far and wide. Leave a comment if you have questions, or submissions.
Take care, and Thanks!