What Not to Say to Chronic Pain Sufferers
Living with chronic pain can be a struggle, and trying to manage the symptoms can be difficult. It can be hard for friends and family to understand someone's experience with chronic pain, especially if they themselves have not experienced it. It is important to be supportive and understanding of those who suffer from chronic pain and to avoid saying anything that might be insensitive. Here are some things that should not be said to someone who is living with chronic pain.
“It’s all in your head”
This phrase implies that the pain is not real and that the person is making it up. Chronic pain is a real medical condition, and it is not something that can simply be willed away.
“You just need to exercise more”
Exercise can certainly help to manage chronic pain, but it is not a cure-all solution. Depending on the condition, exercise may or may not help, and it can be difficult for someone with chronic pain to even do simple exercises.
“Have you tried this medication/treatment?”
Chronic pain sufferers have likely tried numerous treatments and medications in an effort to manage their pain. Asking this question implies that they haven't done enough to try to manage their pain, which is not true.
“At least it’s not cancer”
This phrase belittles the experience of someone with chronic pain. Every person's pain is valid, and it should not be compared to that of others.
“Just think positive”
It is important to stay positive, but it is not as simple as just thinking positive. Chronic pain can be overwhelming and can make it difficult to stay positive, and this phrase implies that it is the individual's fault for not staying positive.
“You should just ignore the pain”
This phrase implies that the person is exaggerating the pain and that it is not real. It is better to be understanding and supportive than to suggest that the pain can simply be ignored.
Living with chronic pain can be difficult, and it is important to be understanding and supportive of those who suffer from it. Avoiding insensitive and unhelpful comments can help to create a supportive environment for those managing chronic pain.