Living with Chronic Pain: How to Help Others Understand
Living with chronic pain is a daily battle that 1 in 5 in the US face. Unfortunately, it's often a misunderstood and underestimated struggle. If you're someone who lives with chronic pain, you might find it challenging to explain your experiences to others. Because of that, it can feel very isolating to live with the day-to-day struggles that pain can bring. However, educating those around you about chronic pain can be essential for garnering understanding and support. In this post, ’ll explore effective ways to teach those close to you about what it's like to live with chronic pain.
Mindful Breathing: Techniques for Finding Calm
One of the questions I ask all my clients in the first couple of sessions is about the coping skills they use, what works, what doesn’t, and areas we can work on together. Inevitably, we land on the idea of using mindfulness techniques to help their mood. When I start teaching these techniques, I almost always begin with mindful breathing, but I often hit a roadblock with most clients. Come learn what a few of my favorite breathing techniques are for helping manage anxiety, stress, burnout, and overall emotional health.
How Journaling Can Improve Mental Health for Those with Chronic Pain
On a daily basis, I often see how chronic pain can take a toll on my clients' emotional well-being. Coping with ongoing physical discomfort, medical treatments, continual life adjustments, and the healthcare system can be incredibly challenging. I've found that a simple tool can make a significant difference in managing these difficulties: journaling. Yes, it is simple, but it can be so powerful.