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Dealing With Psychogenic Pain

Craig Williamson, MSOT, a Portland, Maine–based occupational therapist, provides these tips for managing psychogenic pain.

• When you feel pain, remind yourself that even though the pain is real, it is not an indication of damage or injury to your body.
• When you feel pain, remind yourself that the physical is an expression of an uncomfortable emotion or disturbing thoughts of which you are not fully aware. Even if you cannot identify the precise emotion, remind yourself that you are open to becoming aware of any emotional feelings you may be suppressing.
• Do not avoid physical activity because you are afraid it will hurt. But don’t “push through” the pain either.
• Relax as you move.
• Sit quietly for 10 minutes each day. Pay attention to what you are feeling. Keep a notebook to write it down.
• Throughout the day, stop and take a few seconds to take note of  notice your emotional state.