How to Cope with Physical & Psychological Pain?
Hey, I’m Whimsy im new here. I’m 24 and have been diagnosed with BPD along with a few other mental illnesses since I was 18. As I’ve gotten older, my mental illness has gotten worse and I’ve noticed now that my physical health is deteriorating extremely quickly. I’ve now been diagnosed with multiple chronic pain conditions, and it’s likely they were caused by the years of stress. Has anyone else gone through something like this? We’re now pursuing a fibromyalgia diagnosis, and it’s really hard to cope with going from working out 6 days a week to being unable to even work right now. Just looking for some ideas / support with getting through this, I guess.
@whimsychaser99
Hey Whimsy, welcome to the group. Coping with both physical and psychological pain can feel like a never-ending battle, especially when BPD and chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia collide. It’s hard when your body and mind seem to be working against you, and I’m so sorry you’re dealing with this.
When it comes to managing both types of pain, here are some strategies that might help:
♡ Mind-Body Techniques: Mindfulness, meditation, or even progressive muscle relaxation can ease both emotional and physical tension. Apps like Headspace or Calm are great places to start.
♡ Gentle Movement: Switching from intense workouts to something like gentle yoga or tai chi can still keep your body active without overwhelming it. Pacing yourself is key—doing small, manageable tasks and resting often can help.
♡ Emotional Support: Therapy, especially DBT, can be life-changing for BPD, while CBT might help you reframe thoughts around pain. Journaling about what you’re going through can also be healing.
♡ Distraction and Engagement: Activities that engage your senses or creative hobbies can serve as healthy distractions from the pain. Try music, painting, or working with something tactile like clay.
♡ Self-Compassion: Be gentle with yourself, Whimsy. It’s okay to grieve the loss of your old self and abilities. Talk to yourself like you would a friend—with kindness and understanding.
You’re not alone, and it's completely valid to feel overwhelmed. We’re here to support you, and I hope you can find small ways to bring a bit of comfort to your day. Sending lots of love and care your way.