Blog

Deb Gleeson - 25 September 2017

Chronic Pain and Mental Health

My daughter checks in with me about my chronic pain and discusses her concern about depression and mental health problems associated with chronic pain.

A few weeks ago my daughter and I were out walking our dogs together when she used an 'I' Statement (see previous blog) on me.

I can't remember exactly how it went but it was something like 'Mum I'm concerned because of research that has come out about the connection between chronic pain and mental health problems and I'd like to talk to you about it.'

The connection between chronic pain and mental health problems has been well established.

Some of the things that contribute to mental health problems with chronic pain are:

1. Inability to sleep or sleep disturbances
2. Loss of ability to work and or do other activities that make us feel useful and productive
3. Loss of ability to enjoy time with family and friends.

My daughter knew that I had given up the struggle to work at age 59 because of my chronic pain, knew that I was struggling to spend quality time with my daughters and their young families. Particularly I struggled with my young grandchildren and not being able to pick them up. Also I struggle to spend time at other people's homes because the chairs don't suit me and contribute to my pain.

We talked about some ways that I could deal with some of these things. My daughters have consciously made effort to have at least one comfortable (for me) chair in their homes. I make time to spend with my grandchildren when there are others around to pick them up and hand them to me (this will change as they grow and not be necessary in a couple of years).

Some of the things I have learnt about living with chronic pain and mental health problems are:

1. Ask for help when you need it.
2. Always look at and have gratitude for the positive things in your life. (see last week's blog)
3. Look for activities that bring you joy and are suitable for your abilities.
4. Know that sometimes you are going to trade joy for pain and take responsibility for making this decision.
5. Relaxation techniques like meditation and reiki are a great help to me.
6. Plan activities so that you know when you are going to leave to get the most enjoyment with the least amount of pain.
7. Focus on the good things and relationships you have not what you can't do.
8. Make your home a comfortable place for you and also for people to visit if you can't go to them.

There are several helpful links to good information and services, please click here.

Remember Mental Health is everyone's business.