Social circle, relationships and work

Social circle & relationships

It has been shown that when we experience long term pains we can find communicating with others more challenging.  For example, recognising facial expressions is not as accurate in people living with pain.

The ability to understand your own pain, let alone explain it to others is a real challenge too.  

Other factors can be feelings of being judged, feeling guilty, not accepting help and many more issues.  

With so many factors, there is an equally long list of options to consider to help improve your social situation.  

One element is trying to help others understand your situation.  This website contains some helpful posts and suggestions on this topic such as a letter to the people around you who do not have persistent pain so they can see things from your point of view.  

Many people describe feeling unable to ask for help especially when there are no visible signs of their challenges.  You can be in significant pain but nobody can see it which can be a real challenge for the person suffering with it and for those around them to fully appreciate what they are going through. 

Tackling it solo is not to be encouraged.  Spending time with people we like or love is a natural pain reliever.  It also prevents against loneliness which is a real danger to our overall health.  This resource explores asking for and accepting help.  This article is written by someone living with persistent pain about the barriers they come up against and tips to help.  

For many people, an important thing they value and enjoy is time with the key people around them.  Doing things with others has great benefits for helping manage persistent pains.  This is easily said but hard to do.  This resource may help you plan for engaging in social activities and is written by someone living with pain.

One thing to keep in mind is to choose the things that bring you joy.  Just like the orange putty in the video above.  This will be different for everyone but the principles remain the same.  

Work, occupations, and social role.  People living with persistent pain often find it very difficult to stay in, or find work.  Their role in their families can be hugely altered by persistent pains and the financial, mental and physical impact is significant.  Employers who are willing and able to modify your work environment and roles can certainly help here.  A service available to help people stay in work, or find it when their health challenges are impacting on them can be found here. The service is available to Sheffield residents and the surrounding areas (Rotherham, Barnsley and Doncaster). This can include volunteer opportunities too. For more resources we have put together a wider health employment section.

For more detailed information on financial, mental and social support available to you, please see the ‘Wider Health’ section.