Despite ongoing medical treatment, some people still have to deal with pain on a daily basis. Chronic back pain, arthritis, and nerve pain are all familiar to most people, but there are numerous other conditions that can be hard to live with. If your partner or loved one is living with pain, how can you help them deal with their situation, without being intrusive?
Emotional Support
It is important to understand that their pain can make them feel depressed, tired and frustrated. If they want to, talk with them about how they are feeling and what things you can do to help. Let them know that you understand their feelings and you are there to support them. By simply understanding their thoughts and needs, you are on the right path to helping them live more comfortably with their pain. Informing friends and family of their emotional needs will also help.
Social Support
When they visit the doctor, go with them. You can even talk to the doctor on their behalf to save them from having to talk about their symptoms yet again. Their doctor may recommend a pain management program, where they can meet other people with pain issues. These short courses will teach them how to control their pain more effectively. If they take medication, this will hopefully reduce the amount of pills they need to take.
Some people living with pain often wish to remain indoors and alone, preferring not to burden anyone else with their debilitating condition. If your partner is one of these people, it is important to encourage them to participate in activities that ÒnormalÓ people enjoy. Help them to find a new hobby or activity that will relieve the mental stress that accompanies their condition, even if only for a little while. Finding helpful literature or website information that understands their pain issues will also help them to feel less alone and vulnerable.
Physical Support
When appropriate, encourage them to be more physically active. For example, suggest going for a walk together when their pain is more tolerable. Get advice from a health professional about the best forms of exercise to sustain and improve their general fitness. Exercise will help tone specific muscles, which will contribute to an overall feeling of physical improvement. Endorphins produced by their body during exercise can also reduce their level of pain.
Research has also shown that sexual activity can be followed by a welcome period of pain relief. This does not have to be intercourse. Just be certain that your partner is comfortable during these Òlove sessionsÓ. Another sensual activity that can induce relaxation is an aromatherapy massage. Essential oils like valerian can combat stress. Combined with a massage, this form of therapy can also stimulate the production of endorphins. To avoid making anything worse, consult a health professional before giving a massage.
Practical Support
If your partner is taking pain medication, remind them when they need to take it. You can help your partner by simply fetching their pills and even bringing them a heat-pack. Make it your mission to provide them with the most comfortable sleeping environment possible. Your partner is more likely to enjoy a better sleep in a calm, quiet, and relaxing bedroom. If the mattress is uncomfortable, it is best to buy a new one. You can also help your partner to relax by running them a bath and playing soothing music in the background. When practical, ask them to go shopping with you to buy some comfortable shoes with thick, shock-resistant soles. Even shoes can help with pain management. Any practical help you can offer will help to ease their pain.
Living with someone who is living with pain can be very stressful. For your partner, it can be extremely frustrating and wearisome having to cope with constant discomfort, but there are simple things you can do to make them feel better. Managing the pain may not cure their condition, but it can reduce the stress that it causes, enabling both of you to enjoy a better quality of life.