Do you talk about pain?

It’s common for patients to talk about pain levels and treatments with family and friends. Although talking about pain can help us validate our experience, it can actually worsen our symptoms by adding more attention to the pain.

You can’t make positive steps in your life when surrounded by negativity 
Stay away from people who only want to complain about pain, and avoid sharing the pain with others unless there is a positive goal associated with the conversation. Talk instead about things you enjoy and find meaningful. Fill your life with joy and hope!

It’s natural for people to ask about the pain, but you have the power to change the discussion. Thank them for asking but explain that you’d rather focus on something else. Suggest a more life-affirming topic of conversation.

I choose not to talk about the chronic pain I feel to myself or with others, including my doctors (unless there is a new symptom that needs acute treatment).

Learn more

• Should You Stop Talking About Your Pain? (Dr. Evan Parks)
• Reducing Pain Talk: Coping with Pain Series (Institute for Chronic Pain)