Pain and Discomfort
Pain and discomfort can be debilitating. But it does not have to be. When we feel badly, we usually just lump it, act cheerfully and get about normal activities despite the pain. However when the pain persists, as in migraine headaches, irritable bowel disease, arthritis, fibromyalgia, schleraderma or other persistent painful experiences one may feel hopeless, helpless, and frightened.
"What if this pain or discomfort becomes worse--so bad I can't stand it and it never ends," one wonders. "I'd better panic and really make things bad. If I panic severely enough, even those trying to help me will fail; then I'll prove I'm miserable beyond hope," one asserts.
Caretakers frequently suffer more than the patient. Sure, the patient is in discomfort or even pain, but the caretaker often gives up any quality of life to be at the beck and call of the patient. Exhausted, confused and unrewarded the caretaker may become a casualty as well.
Does this have to happen? No!
Patients can maintain a sense of responsible decorum. It takes effort discipline and consideration for others as well as for oneself. It helps to tell oneself the facts: The real facts!
"I may be in pain or discomfort, but I can behave appropriately. I can assist in my care. I can be patient with others. I don't have to demand not to be in pain. I can stand it, even if I very much don't like it. Yes, I can even stand it a little longer.
"Maybe I actually will die in pain. Too bad, I don't have to make life miserable for others or myself while I die in pain!"
Links on 24-7 Help:
- Irrational Beliefs Guide
- Irrational Beliefs Disputation Form
- Disputing
- Disturbed About Being Disturbed
- It's So Awful I Can't Stand It!
- Disturbance Worksheet
