Living with someone who has chronic pain?

"Chronic pain is a family problem. When people experience unrelenting pain, everyone they live with and love is likely to suffer. The frustration, anxiety, stress and depression that often go with chronic pain can also afflict family members and friends who feel helpless to provide relief."

This is a quote from a blog entry by Gary B. Rollman, Professor of Psychology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON.

The entire article was very helpful and can help if you, in your ministry calling, live with someone you love who has chronic pain, or if someone in your span of care has chronic pain.

Here are a few tips Professor Rollman points out.  Read the entire article for more details.

• Acknowledge your feelings (you may feel guilty about not being able to relieve the distress of someone you love. You may be anxious about financial problems.)
• Help the patient stay involved (Whether you are the patient's primary or intermittent caregiver, it is important not to contribute to feelings of helplessness)
• Communicate (Open, two-way communication is crucial to dealing effectively with chronic pain)
• Take care of yourself (Enlist all the help you can get from family members and friends)

Dealing effectively with chronic pain can help you keep Serving Strong!