Let’s talk about something close to my heart: Pain Supported Self-Management Week, happening from 3rd to 8th February 2025.
Now, I know the words self-management might not have you jumping up and down with excitement but hear me out—it’s all about you taking charge of your pain instead of letting it run the show.
Living with chronic pain can feel overwhelming, like an uninvited guest who just won’t leave. But self-management isn’t about pretending the pain isn’t there or putting on a brave face all the time—it’s about learning how to work with it, not against it. And that’s where Pain Supported Self-Management Week comes in: to remind you that you’re not alone and to arm you with practical tools to help you live your best life, even with pain tagging along.
So, What Is Pain Supported Self-Management?
In a nutshell, it’s about empowering yourself to manage your pain in a way that works for you. It’s not about ignoring medical advice or going it alone—it’s about combining professional support with your own skills and strategies to create a plan. A plan that puts you back in the driver’s seat as my good friend Pete Moore says.
Think of it as building a toolkit. Some tools might help with the physical side of pain (like exercise or relaxation techniques), while others focus on the emotional and psychological aspects (like mindfulness or reframing unhelpful thoughts). And the best part? You get to choose what goes in your toolkit.
Introducing The Pain Toolkit
Speaking of toolkits, let me introduce you to a fantastic resource: The Pain Toolkit, https://www.paintoolkit.org
Created by Pete Moore, who himself lives with persistent pain, The Pain Toolkit offers a simple, practical guide to managing pain. It’s designed for people like you and me, as well as healthcare professionals who support those with chronic pain.
The toolkit provides a set of twelve tools to help you self-manage your pain, including:
- Understanding Pain: Gaining insight into how pain works and affects your body.
- Pacing: Learning how to balance activity and rest to avoid flare-ups.
- Setting Goals: Establishing realistic and achievable objectives to improve your quality of life.
These tools are straightforward yet effective, offering a starting point for anyone looking to take control of their pain management journey.
The Themes of the Week
This week is all about raising awareness and celebrating the small (and big!) wins of people managing pain every day. Here are some of the key themes being highlighted:
- Understanding Your Pain Knowledge is power, right? Understanding how chronic pain works—why it’s there and what triggers it—can be a game-changer. Pain isn’t just in the body; it’s in the brain too and knowing that can help you approach it differently.
- Building Your Support Network Self-management doesn’t mean managing alone. It’s about connecting with people who “get it,” whether that’s a friend, family member, a health professional or a support group. Sharing experiences can make the journey feel a lot less isolating.
- Exploring Practical Tools From pacing yourself to practicing mindfulness, this week is packed with tips and strategies to help you find what works for you. Remember, it’s not one-size-fits-all—what helps someone else might not suit you, and that’s okay.
- Celebrating Your Strength Living with pain isn’t easy, and just getting through the day can be an act of courage. This week is a chance to acknowledge that strength and give yourself a well-deserved pat on the back.
How to Get Involved
Pain Supported Self-Management Week isn’t just about raising awareness—it’s about action. Here are some ways you can get involved:
- Join a Workshop or Webinar: Many organizations run free sessions this week, covering everything from gentle exercise to mindfulness techniques. The Pain Tool Kit Café is running a special session on 5th February 2025
- Connect with Others: Share your story on social media or join a local support group. You might just inspire someone else to take the first step.
- Try Something New: Whether it’s a new relaxation technique or a small change to your daily routine, now’s the perfect time to experiment.
- Be Kind to Yourself: Sometimes, self-management means knowing when to rest and recharge. Give yourself permission to take it easy when you need to.
Final Thoughts
Pain Supported Self-Management Week is a reminder that you’re not powerless in the face of pain. With the right tools, support, and mindset, you can take steps toward a life that feels more you.
So, here’s my challenge to you this week: pick one thing—just one—that feels manageable and give it a go. Maybe it’s setting a timer to remind yourself to take breaks or spending five minutes practicing deep breathing. Whatever it is, it’s a step forward, and that’s what self-management is all about.
Remember, you don’t have to do it all at once. Managing pain is a journey, not a sprint. But with every small step, you’re moving closer to reclaiming your life—and that’s something worth celebrating.
Here’s to you and your journey, one day at a time.