Even though I'm chronic, I seem to go through periods that are much worse than others. I'm not sure, honestly, if it has to do with med changes or environmental changes or whatever. Must be the weather, I think. Whatever the cause, when I get hit hard a few times a day and have shadow pain all day long, for days, I tend to get pretty down. It's understandable I guess, but doesn't make it any easier.
I had a particularly bad bout the first week in January for about 9 days. Through that time I couldn't do much, although I did spend my time putting this site together. I actually found that being somewhat productive helped. It gave me something to focus on besides the pain. That made it easier, I think.
-Chris