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LIVING WELL WITH CHRONIC PAIN OR ILLNESS
Living with chronic pain or illness can be an exhausting and isolating experience. The physical discomfort, as well as the mental and emotional toll, can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. While conventional medical approaches often focus solely on managing physical symptoms through medication or surgery, there’s growing evidence showing the effectiveness of psychological therapy (alongside medical interventions) in managing chronic conditions.
Understanding chronic pain and illness
Chronic pain and illness are not just physical. They involve a complex interaction of biological, psychological, and social factors. Unlike acute pain — which serves as a warning signal of injury or illness — chronic pain persists long after the initial cause has healed. Similarly, chronic illnesses such as autoimmune disorders, diabetes, or fibromyalgia can present ongoing challenges that require comprehensive management.
The role of psychological factors
Living with chronic pain can take a severe toll on one’s mental health. Depression, anxiety, frustration, anger, and feelings of hopelessness are common experiences for people grappling with persistent pain or illness. The constant struggle to manage symptoms, together with the loss of independence and disruption of daily functioning, can strain relationships and decrease people’s sense of self-worth.
These psychological factors can exacerbate symptoms and contribute to the maintenance of chronic conditions. The fear of triggering flare-ups can cause people to withdraw from activities they once enjoyed, which in turn heightens feelings of isolation and helplessness. Unhelpful beliefs about a person’s ability to cope or recover can also increase suffering, causing people to become trapped in a cycle that’s hard to break.
Psychological treatments can help people cope with their pain and illness and lead fulfilling lives.
Psychological treatment approaches
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is one of the most widely studied and effective psychological treatments for chronic pain and illness. It focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thought patterns, beliefs, and behaviours that contribute to the experience of pain or exacerbate illness-related symptoms.
Reframing thoughts and adopting healthier coping strategies can help you develop a more adaptive mindset, reducing the emotional impact of pain or illness-related symptoms, improving overall well-being. Psychological therapy can also help improve sleep, as chronic pain and illness are often associated with insomnia.
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) combines mindfulness techniques with values-based action to help individuals live meaningful lives despite pain or illness. Rather than attempting to eliminate discomfort, ACT encourages individuals to acknowledge their pain or illness and make room for it while focusing on pursuing activities that align with their values and goals. By fostering psychological flexibility, ACT helps people find fulfilment despite their symptoms.
Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR)
In addition to CBT and ACT, mindfulness practices such as mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) teach people to cultivate present-moment awareness, enabling them to observe their pain or illness-related symptoms without judgement and to develop greater resilience in the face of discomfort.
Effective psychological treatment can be provided in person or by telehealth, meaning people can access support at a convenient time, regardless of circumstances or location. This is particularly helpful for people with chronic pain and illness who may face unique challenges in leaving their homes and travelling to a psychological practice or clinic.
The benefits of psychological therapy
Living with chronic pain and illness can be overwhelming. Psychological therapy, alongside conventional medical treatment, can not only reduce psychological distress but also lead to tangible improvements in the perception of pain and illness symptoms and quality of life.
Psychological therapy recognises the interconnectedness of mind and body, acknowledging that mental well-being is integral to overall health. By addressing the root causes of suffering, therapy can provide individuals with effective coping skills that foster a sense of resilience. In short, it helps equip people with the tools they need to thrive and live meaningful lives despite the challenges of living with chronic pain and illness.
4 tips for managing chronic pain and illness
These tips can help you to manage chronic pain and illness and improve your sleep.
1. Exercise and staying active
Low-impact exercise will improve your overall health and emotional well-being. You may find it helpful to work with a physical therapist to develop an exercise plan. It’s important to not let pain stop you from doing the things you enjoy or that give you a sense of achievement (such as hobbies or work) within your physical limits.
2. Connect with people
Reach out to people you know and ask for help when you need it.
3. Use medication appropriately
If medications are part of your treatment plan, use them as prescribed by your doctor. Psychologists can help you stick to your medical treatment plan.
4. Distract yourself
When pain or illness-related symptoms flare, find ways to distract yourself. Watch a movie, take a walk, or engage in a relaxing hobby.
5. Remember; there is hope
With medical and psychological treatment, many people learn to manage their pain and illness and live meaningful and fulfilling lives.
Need some additional support with chronic pain or illness?
Reach out to our friendly team today.