Chronic pain left me housebound and depressed for two years – here’s how I slowly rebuilt my life

For two years, chronic pain confined Jacqueline Tan to her room, plunging her into despair and depression. What began as a simple ache in her right knee in early 2021 escalated into unpredictable stabbing, piercing, and tingling sensations, along with numbness throughout her body.

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Finding myself “on the couch” and baring my soul to a mental health therapist wasn’t a situation I’d ever imagined to be in, but I remember that first visit in mid-2023 well – the picture of me sprawled on a chaise longue.

Tan endured countless hospital visits, seeing specialists from rheumatology to neurology and pain management. Despite multiple tests, including MRIs and bone scans, doctors found no significant issues, attributing her pain to "ageing." This lack of a definitive diagnosis left her wishing for a life-threatening condition, just for an answer.

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Nothing was particularly amiss – just the usual wear and tear due to ageing, I was told.

Working from home became a necessity, but even sitting at her desk was difficult. Simple chores became monumental tasks, her appetite waned, and brain fog set in. The once cheerful and optimistic Tan found herself constantly teary and anxious, her physical strength diminishing.

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The lack of a conclusive diagnosis soon made me wish I’d been slapped with a life-threatening diagnosis – at least I would have an answer.

In mid-2023, therapy became her last resort. Through small, daily steps and the support of mental health professionals, Tan began the slow process of reclaiming parts of her life and finding joy again, even while living with chronic pain.

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It got so excruciating that I stopped going out, stepping out of my bedroom only at mealtimes or to use the bathroom.