In this video, you’ll learn about 3 mindset tips (also practical tips) to help you, when you are experiencing serious or chronic pain, perhaps as part of your hidden disability. Millions of people just like me, all around the world, have a hidden disability where one of the symptoms involves experiencing varying levels of pain and so finding ways to manage pain, or tips on how to manage pain, are so important for your lived experience and journey of life.
So let’s dive straight in. I explain a bit about how my hidden disability manifests itself in my body and in my everyday to give you some context.
First up – Lose the Warrior !
A lot of people have this attitude towards pain, where you’re in fighter mode, like you have declared a war on your pain. And your language changes and your mindset reflects this too. I used to feel that way as I thought it was the only way to get through my agony. However, I have since found that this consumes so much of my energy and actually can work against me and become counter productive.
So I moved from that to trying to view the pain episode and embracing it as a part of my journey and relationship with pain. This involved having a real acceptance, in the moment, in that moment of pain, almost like a letting go. Almost like I’m distancing myself a little bit. I know some people are programmed to fight against the word ‘acceptance’ or ‘surrender’, but I have found that there is a real strength in that.
Next – Focus on getting over the bridge!
Focussing on moving to the next point. Maybe if pain is a regular part of your life as part of your HD, you will know that there are times when the pain is SO severe. And rather than focusing on the slightly longer term things (like will I have to take time off work? will I need to go into hospital? what will I do with all the food I just bought in the fridge?),
just focus on the next moment thing (okay I’ve just taken some strong pain relief which should kick in in about 20 mins, let me focus on my deep breathing and try to calm down for the next 10 mins and reassess). And ONLY focussing on that. Condensing your focus within the pain just on the next moment. Getting over to that next point, over the bridge.
Lastly – Single person Ninja Strategies! Time to get smart!
Maybe you’re like me and millions globally who live alone. If you have a HD and have a long-term relationship with pain and have to manage your pain, then you do need some ninja strategies, to make this whole process as simplified and empowering as possible for you. What do I mean by that? Well we’ll need a bit of planning, a bit of preparation.
Knowing at what point is the final point where I absolutely will need to get help, call an ambulance etc. Also, being quite organised in what you’re going to need and when. So where is your key room at home, where you know that if you’re going into a painful episode, that is your go-to place, because that is where you have all your stuff within easy reach.
Where you’ve got extra blankets, access to your water bottle, your tv remote for those comedies to help you get through your painful episode, where your phone is fully charged, easy access to the toilet an/or kitchen for when your pain hits a plateau and you can finally stand upright and hobble about – whatever you need!
Also planning your hospital bag ready to go, should the worst happen and your home pain management can’t cut it in this instance because the pain has spiked and suddenly it has become an emergency.
It really is about a marathon, rather than a sprint! So the thing is to help yourself get through this time, as tomorrow is another day with more life to enjoy.
This is just a little dip into the pain management conversation. More to follow. I’d love to hear from you if you have a hidden disability and/or have other strategies that you use.
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If you liked this then hit the ‘FOLLOW’ button, COMMENT letting me know what was your biggest takeaway, and tell a friend!
If you’d like to watch more videos then hit the ‘SUBSCRIBE’ button on my YouTube channel so we can journey together. I’d love to hear from you.
Many people ask me to share what health, wellness and beauty products I use. Instead of listing out each item individually here on the blog, I made a list of my Top 20 favourites, the ones I personally love and use here linktr.ee/tessafyffe
