How to help a close one suffering from chronic pain?
4 Answers
Last Updated: 09/25/2018 at 7:04pm
Moderated by
Johanna Liasides, MSc, PhDc
Psychologist
I work with youth and young adults to help them improve depressive symptoms and self-esteem as well as effectively address family, relationship and peer conflicts.
Top Rated Answers
If your friend is suffering from chronic pain, here are a few things you can do:
1. Check in with them to ask how they are
2. Be compassionate. Let them know you are sorry they are in pain. If they are grumpy or sad, try to be patient with them.
3. Spend time with them on their terms. Visit them at home, watch movies together, take over a pizza. They might not want to go out as much but they still love your company.
4. Ask questions. Don't be afraid to start a conversation about their condition. It shows you care. Read about their condition online- that effort means so much!
Don't try to fix them, just love them through the hard times and they'll be there for you through your hard times. It's a process, and the friends who stick around are priceless!
Anonymous
June 14th, 2018 3:34am
Check in on them, distract them with uplifting activities or conversation, offer to help them with things they struggle with, try to understand that they may be snappy or down at times due to their pain and remind them that pain does not define them as a person. They may be mourning the person who they used to be and helping them to do some of the things they used to enjoy (in a modified way) will remind them that life does not end with chronic pain and their contributions as a friend or human being in general, are extremely worthwhile
Anonymous
July 31st, 2018 5:50am
Be supportive and understanding of their pain, validate how much pain their in, and if they want, try to distract them from the pain by doing activities with them
Be supportive and understanding. Understand that not all pain is visible, and not everyone experiences it the same way. Suggest local resources, maybe go with them to an appointment or two if they ask, or just make some time to have lunch and chat.
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