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Mental Health and Chronic Pain: 5 Tips on Managing

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chronic pain and mental health

The Invisible Link

The link between poor physical health and poor mental wellbeing is widely established. Mental health charity Mind reports that 1 in 4 adults every year will experience a mental health problem in England. For those living with chronic pain, depression is four times more likely, according to Versus Arthritis’ Chronic Pain Report.

The toll physical pain and restriction has on mental health is well documented and, unfortunately, the reality for most people living with a long term medical issue or disability. Taking care of both your physical and mental wellbeing can start to feel like a daunting, never-ending task, only worsening the impact these dual challenges can have on your life and overall health.

If you’re feeling the pressure of managing your mental health and physical pain or ailments, or you just don’t know where to start in finding a balance between regulating the two, then consider using our simple and effective tips below.

Pain Management

Pain can rob you of your mobility, your energy, and even of a good night’s sleep; all of which only exacerbates your physical conditions and impacts your mental health. Finding the right pain management techniques and routines is truly the jumping off point for a better quality of life when living with chronic pain or disability.

Confer with doctors, specialists, physical therapists, loved ones and even mobility experts to find the right combination of activity, pain relief, medication, and mobility aids to prevent your pain from being a barrier to living your life. While each day will have its ups and downs, and factors such as weather, lifestyle, and chores or activity levels can mean that your experience with pain is likely never linear from day to day, knowing what works for you and not being afraid or ashamed when it comes to asking for help is all crucial.

medication and pain management
Image attribution: Freepik

Rest and Self-Care

Both physical and mental illnesses take a toll on energy levels. It’s okay to take a rest – in fact, it’s often encouraged by medical professionals. Whether you’re able to sleep in longer in the morning, have a mid-afternoon break, or start winding down for the evenings sooner, any form of rest can help in boosting your wellbeing. Experiment with what works best for you based on what your body and mind needs and what forms of rest can fit into the structure of your day. Everybody is different, so don’t hold yourself to the standard of what other people do/need or how you ‘think’ your body should work.
woman with prosthetic leg relaxing in bedroom

Open Up

A problem shared is a problem halved. Talking to someone, whether it’s a friend, carer, professional, support group, or other form of community, can help when dealing with chronic pain and the direct effect it has on mental health. Worrying about burdening others or simply shutting yourself off to engaging in conversations about ‘taboo’ or stigmatised topics such as mental health can deepen feelings of loneliness and create a vicious cycle. You are not a burden, and you deserve to be able to talk about the things in your life that may be getting you down or having a negative impact on you.
talking to others
Image attribution: Freepik

Hobbies and Stress Relief

Your life can be more than just ‘getting by.’ Try finding a new hobby – or reigniting your interest in a former hobby – to stimulate your mind and give yourself something to look forward to that’s just for you. Hobbies such as puzzles and brain teasers can help with mental wellbeing and brain health, while things such as knitting can help you maintain muscle strength and reduce arthritis pain in the hands, for example. Wherever your interests lay, engaging in a hobby has endless benefits for your health.
Image attribution: Freepik
Image attribution: Freepik

New Scenery

A change can be as good as a rest, or so the saying goes. Living with chronic pain can feel isolating, like the world is passing you by while you are forced to be still due to your illness. Break free of that feeling and try changing up your scenery. Getting fresh air at your local park, planning accessible day trips with loved ones, or finding a regular, low-commitment social activity can all help shatter the monotony of daily life. Of course you will have physical needs to consider when planning where to go, how you will get there, and pain management while exploring these new places, but there are aids and tools that exist to help make this possible. If you need help finding mobility solutions to help get you out of the house or make the most of your independence, our friendly, understanding team of mobility experts can always help you find the solution for you.
rollator user on forest walk
Image attribution: Freepik

Mobility Solutions For a Better Life

We are living in an age where there are more tools and products to help people who are elderly, disabled, or living with chronic illness than ever before. From stairlifts and living aids for daily life, to mobility scooters, powerchairs, and more – Let us help you find the right solutions to unlock a new world of possibilities.
Get in touch

You can contact us directly to find out more, or visit our experts in-store in Blackburn, Clitheroe, Chorley, or Leicester to chat in person about your mobility needs and how we can help you meet them.

wheelchair user at pub with friend
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2 thoughts on “Mental Health and Chronic Pain: 5 Tips on Managing”

  1. Carol Nield
    Reply

    This blog is shall we say “spot on” it tells us all we want to know without kind of shouting it. Well done Modern Mobility. I tend to suffer from both so thank you .

    1. Modern Mobility
      Reply

      Thank you so much for the kind feedback, Carol! It means the world to us when our blogs and advice resonate with people.

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