It’s surprising how many people deal with pain on a daily basis. Here are some psychological strategies to help you manage your pain.

1. Diverting Attention

  • Try to think of something pleasant.
  • Count numbers in your head or run a song through your mind.
  • Play mental games with yourself to keep your mind off the pain.
  • Replay in your mind pleasant experience in the past.
  • Think of people you enjoy doing things with.
  • Think of things you enjoy doing.

2. Reinterpreting the pain sensation

  • Try to feel distant from the pain, almost as if the pain was in somebody else’s body.
  • Don’t think of it as pain but rather as a dull or warm feeling.
  • Think of it as some other sensation, such as numbness.
  • Don’t try to think about it as your body, but rather as something separate from you.
  • Imagine that the pain is outside of your body.
  • Pretend it is not part of you.

3. Ignoring Sensation

  • Don’t think about the pain.
  • Tell yourself it doesn’t hurt.
  • Don’t pay any attention to it.
  • Pretend it is not there.
  • Go on as if nothing happened.
  • Ignore it.

4. Coping Self-statements

  • Tell yourself to be brave and carry on despite the pain.
  • Tell yourself you can overcome the pain.
  • Tell yourself you can’t let the pain stand in the way of what you have to do.
  • No matter how bad it gets, you should know you can handle it.
  • See it as a challenge and don’t let it bother you.
  • Although it hurts, keep going.

5. Behavioural Coping Strategy

  • Leave the house and do something, such as going to the movies or shopping.
  • Read books or newspapers.
  • Try to be around other people.
  • Do anything to get your mind off the pain.
  • Do something you enjoy, such as watching TV or listening to music.
  • Do something active, like household chores or projects.