Physical and psychological pain are closely related because they originate in the same area of the brain, which is the seat of emotions (the limbic system). In chronic pain, negative emotions and pain often become impossible to distinguish from one another in our perception.

ACUTE PAIN

is an important, life-preserving signal, a biological response to a harmful influence.

It is not advisable to ignore acute pain for an extended period; instead, it is better to take pain-relieving medication sooner. This is because the brain has a memory of pain that causes the pain threshold to gradually decrease.

At the same time, it is important to perceive pain as a signal that the body needs rest, peace, and gentle care, and that it is asking us to respond WITH SELF-COMPASSION.

does not have this protective function, and adopting an overly cautious approach and avoiding activity causes it to become even more chronic.

Consciously accepting symptoms is important when dealing with chronic pain, although it may initially seem very difficult. The key is to practice conscious kindness toward yourself and feel self-compassion, while training yourself to focus your attention and remain in the present moment.

So what should you do?

• treat yourself kindly and practice self-compassion,
• learn to be aware of your body – notice what the pain feels like and what helps reduce and relieve it,
• find an environment where you can feel at ease even with your pain, and discover what helps you feel comfortable – whether it is peace, quiet, and dim lighting, or, conversely, music, someone’s company, and the bustle of activity,
• turn to the familiar positive values in your life, stay focused on them, and feel their positive energy,
• practice the five senses exercise,
• learn to work with your breathing – breathe into the painful area and use your breath to release tension in your body,
• use imagery to work with pain – use your breath and imagine it “cleansing” the painful area,
• work with the elements – in your imagination, direct an element you find pleasant (fire, water, air, or earth) toward the painful area and draw on its healing and soothing potential.

Do you have experience with any of these methods? Which one? Do you have any questions about them?

You can ask questions about this topic, as well as many other aspects of mental health, in Veronika Brodská’s Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/662198941735101/about/ . Join us; it is full of genuinely practical advice and tips!