Psychological support for people with chronic pain can be used by anyone who experiences chronic pain resulting from diseases (including psychosomatic ones), injuries or postoperative complications. The most important goal is to reduce the impact of the ailments on the patient’s life and improve emotional well-being.
Why is psychological support in the treatment of chronic pain important?
Chronic pain in itself is a strong burden on the psyche. In addition, it often leads to a reduction in professional activity and withdrawal from social life, which results in an additional deterioration in mood, and often depressive disorders.
A poor emotional state makes treatment difficult, and in the case of psychosomatic diseases, it intensifies pain. It is not uncommon for relationships with loved ones to deteriorate, especially if the person experiencing pain is unable to express their emotions in a way that does not hurt those around them.
What does psychological help for people with chronic pain look like?
People who have significantly reduced their activity due to pain and live in isolation need motivation to get out of the wrong pattern. The therapist supports the patient in finding sources of pleasure and helps them find their way in the new reality.
Learning how to safely cope with the stress resulting from the pain experienced also plays an important role. This has a beneficial effect on the quality of life of the patient himself, as well as on his relationships with family and friends. When working with people with chronic pain, cognitive behavioral therapy and relaxation techniques, including breathing exercises and visualizations, are used. Sometimes they help to eliminate the ailments.