Coping Strategies
Dissociation
Distraction - shifting your attention away from the pain
If you do not pay attention to pay, this will reduce the amount of pain that will reach conscious awareness
Association
Focusing - focusing attention on the pain to actively reduce it, emphasis on understanding the pain is not necessarily an indication of tissue damage
Pain as something to be overcome
Understanding
Comprehension of where you pain is coming from
Understanding what you can do, and what you cannot do
Acceptance
Accepting that you have pain, and that you have to make changes in your life to deal with that pain
Not trying to win an unwinnable war
Doing what you can
Balance
Increasing activity and daily goals as much as possible
Trying not to just focus on the pain
Baby steps - set smaller, achievable goals
Changing Expectations
Modification of life goals to more achievable possible outcomes
Cut yourself some slack if you cannot do everything you want to do because of pain
But keep expectations as high as you can despite disability
Calming and Relaxation
Reducing stress and panic reactions to pain, both of which can increase the intensity of pain you perceive
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