If you suffer from chronic pain, it can be easy to get caught up in negative thinking. You might feel like you’re never going to get better, that your pain is never going to go away. But it’s important to remember that your thoughts and beliefs play a big role in how you experience pain.
Dr Brian Blick, the Chief of Anesthesia at Great Plains Regional Medical Center, says that although there is no cure for chronic pain, the key to managing it is to shift your perspective. Chronic pain is like cancer, he says. It doesn’t go away, but you can control how much it bothers you. Here are some ways to do that!
1. Acknowledge Your Feelings.
It’s okay to feel angry, frustrated, or even hopeless about your chronic pain. Acknowledging these feelings can actually help you deal with them in a more constructive way. Once you’ve acknowledged your feelings, try to let them go and focus on the present moment.
2. Believe In Yourself.
You are capable of managing your chronic pain, even if it feels impossible some days. Surround yourself with people who believe in you and who will support you on your journey. These people can provide a much-needed sense of hope and encouragement.
3. Practice Gratitude.
No matter how bad your pain might be, there are always things to be grateful for. Maybe you’re grateful for the support of your loved ones or for the fact that you’re still able to do the things you love despite your pain. Focusing on the positive can help shift your perspective and make chronic pain feel more manageable.
Conclusion
If you’re struggling with chronic pain, it’s important to remember that your thoughts and beliefs play a big role in how you experience pain. Acknowledging your feelings, believing in yourself, and practicing gratitude can help shift your perspective and make chronic pain more manageable. Start with these three things and see how help Dr Brian Blick!
