Bathroom stall sign with male and female icons, representing hidden spaces for rest during chronic pain flare-ups.

The Invisible Cost of Rest: Why Chronic Pain and Laziness Aren’t the Same

I learned early how easily chronic pain and laziness get confused. In grade 12, my teacher Mrs Smith had a word with me after the last bell rang.While my classmates spilled out into the hall, buzzing about Friday night plans, I sat slumped in a hard wooden chair. Knees swollen, neck stiff, and my back…