How to Support Someone with Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is defined as lasting for over 12 weeks. It may linger after acute pain from injury or surgery has passed, or it may have no understandable cause. It affects the daily quality of life; a person with chronic pain may avoid many activities in an attempt to not make the pain worse. Chronic pain can cause mental distress, such as anxiety, helplessness, and hopelessness. It can ruin a person’s life.

Here are some things to keep in mind if you are going to support someone who is dealing with chronic pain:

Learn about chronic pain and its effect on a person’s life.

• Understand that there will be better and worse days in terms of the pain level.
• Use your knowledge to support the person and help them address their needs.

Offer encouragement for actions that will support his or her quality of life. 

• Encourage physical therapy and other forms of movement, even if at first it is uncomfortable. Gradually increasing the length and intensity of exercise will improve pain levels and increase daily functioning.
• Help establish a balanced daily routine that includes exposure to sunlight.
• Encourage socialization.
• Encourage the person to practice good health habits related to sleep, nutrition, and avoidance of substance abuse.
• Encourage self-care, such as breathing exercises or other relaxation techniques. Perhaps pursuing a hobby will provide relaxation.
• Be flexible and adapt to his or her changing needs.

Provide emotional support.

• Encourage communication about his or her feelings. Be a good listener.
• Be patient, very patient.
• Provide motivation for increasing independence.
• Be empathetic, but not enabling. You shouldn’t reinforce a need for inactivity.

Help him or her find professional support if needed. 

• This could be medical, psychological, spiritual, or physical therapy.
• Advocate for his or her needs. Ensure that he or she receives appropriate professional care.

Having the support of a family member or a good friend can make a big difference in the life of someone living with chronic pain.