There is no doubt that living with an injury or chronic pain can be extraordinarily taxing for the person experiencing it and for their loved ones. It can be an all-consuming experience that infiltrates many aspects of life – sleep, appetite, moods and relationships. The sense of desperation and powerlessness that can accompany chronic pain can bring a person to their knees, evoking questions such as, “why me” or “why now?“.
No one plans on having chronic pain. Life with a new ailment or disability can result in having to rediscover who you are and how to live life in a different way. Seeking support for the new ‘you’ can help you rebuild your self-esteem, deal with the stress of living in a body that doesn’t function in the way it used to, and set new, realistic goals.
Dealing with chronic pain often means readjusting to your current situation and changing your lifestyle accordingly. There may be adjustments you have to make to your home, office, mode of transportation, or social life and all of these require working through your feelings and thoughts around how this has impacted you. You may also be experiencing grief as well as managing transitions.
Our psychologists can be a resource for you in terms of exploring your next steps, getting the support you may need, and to introduce you to techniques and strategies that can help you manage more effectively.
Potential resources:
Psychology Today – How to Heal Injuries
http://www.helppain.net/?gclid=CJfC1fSby7cCFQXZQgodLk0A6Q