Coping with Chronic Pain
Having a constant flow of pain surging through your body every day, all day long, can be both physically and mentally exhausting and stressful. While healthcare professionals can prescribe medications and other alternatives to reduce physical pain, treating the mental and emotional side of chronic pain can be equally as important.
According to the American Psychological Association there are some helpful tools to help cope with chronic pain:
Manage your stress. Emotional and physical pain are closely related, and persistent pain can lead to increased levels of stress. Learning how to deal with your stress in healthy ways can help you to cope more effectively with your chronic pain. Eating well, getting plenty of sleep and engaging in approved physical activity are all positive ways for you to handle your stress and pain.
Talk to yourself constructively. Positive thinking is a powerful tool. By focusing on the improvements you are making (i.e., the pain is less today than yesterday, or you feel better than you did a week ago) you can make a difference in your perceived comfort level. For example, instead of considering yourself powerless and thinking that you absolutely cannot deal with the pain, remind yourself that you are uncomfortable, but that you are working toward finding a healthy way to deal with it and living a productive and fulfilling life.
Become active and engaged. Distracting yourself from your pain by engaging in activities you enjoy will help you highlight the positive aspects of your life. Isolating yourself from others fosters a negative attitude and may increase your perception of your pain. Consider finding a hobby or a pastime that makes you feel good and helps you connect with family, friends, or other people via your local community groups or the internet.
Find support. Going through the daily struggle of your pain can be extremely trying, especially if you’re doing it alone. Reach out to other people who are in the same position and who can share and understand your highs and lows. Search the internet or your local community for support groups, which can reduce your burden by helping you understand that you’re not alone.
Consult a professional. If you continue to feel overwhelmed by chronic pain at a level that keeps you from performing your daily routine, you may want to talk with a mental health professional, such as a psychologist, who can help you handle the physical and psychological repercussions of your condition (2021).
There is not going to be a one-size-fits-all approach to dealing with chronic pain, but if you can actively engage yourself in learning what works for you and what does not, hopefully the quality of life will improve.
Laura Cole, MSW, LCSW
References
Coping with chronic pain. (2021). Apa.org. https://www.apa.org/topics/pain/chronic