How Can I Cope with Unwanted Pain That Lingers?

Dear eNotAlone: I have been dealing with a lot of pain in my life - physical, emotional, and even a little spiritual - that I just can't seem to shake. It's been building up for years and no matter how hard I try, I can't seem to think or process through it. Nothing seems to help me get rid of it, and now it's starting to take over my life and prevent me from living as full and healthy of a life as I would like to.

I don't know where to start, and I've tried so many different things that haven't worked. I know this is something I will need help to work through, but I don't know who to turn to. The people closest to me have been through their own pain and I don't want to cause them more stress by burdening them with mine. So I'm looking for an outside resource I can turn to for help.

I need help understanding what my options for treatment are, and how I can start the healing process. Most of all, I need some advice on how to cope with the pain that still lingers, and how to make sure it doesn't take over. Is there anyone out there who can guide me through this journey?

It sounds like you're going through a difficult time and I want to extend an unconditional offer of support to you. We are here to help guide you through this journey.

Pain can manifest itself in both physical and emotional forms. The cumulative trauma of past traumas and disappointments can easily be overlooked but always needs to be taken into consideration.

My first suggestion would be to assess the level of stress you are experiencing. When we are under high levels of stress, our mental, physical and emotional health begins to suffer. This can lead to negative feelings and may bring on unwanted pain. Recognizing the stress in your life and taking steps to actively manage it will be necessary in order to break the cycle.

Once you've identified and addressed stressors, the next step is to find coping strategies that work for you. Some strategies may include mindful activities such as meditation, yoga, journaling, and/or deep breathing. Other activities include grounding exercises, exercise/dancing, art therapy, talk therapy, nature walks, and listening to calming music. It's important to find methods that work for you and make time for regular self-care.

It's also beneficial to connect with supportive people who can provide understanding and empathy for your current state. It can be scary to reach out for help, but it's actually one of the most powerful and transformational things we can do. The comfort in knowing that you're not alone can provide a vast amount of relief.

Embrace and allow yourself to be present with the emotions, thoughts and feelings that arise. When we suppress or deny our pain, it only manifests itself in other ways. Allowing yourself to express or acknowledge your pain is a powerful act of self-compassion that can empower you through this journey.

I hope this helps you in some way. You are a unique individual, and your healing journey looks different than anyone else's. Take your time, stay compassionate with yourself, and be mindful of the choices you make to move forward. Please don't hesitate to reach back out if you need further guidance or support.