Living with Pain and Exhaustion
By Clinical Mental Health Team
“Hey, how are you? Good, you?” Sometimes we answer without thinking, masking the exhaustion, grief, or frustration we’re experiencing. Pain—whether physical or emotional—can be overwhelming, making daily tasks feel impossible. The brain fog, irritability, and hopelessness that accompany it can leave us pushing through the day with the hope that tomorrow will feel better.
Living with persistent pain is exhausting, and self-care can seem like a long list of “shoulds” that you feel you are failing at. Instead of seeing them as tasks, consider them as tools to gauge your well-being and notice when extra support might be needed.
Self-Care Strategies to Support Well-Being
- Make a realistic plan for your day, prioritizing essential tasks and identifying help when needed.
- Manage medications carefully and plan accordingly.
- Keep an accessible list of comforting activities for yourself or loved ones to reference.
- Engage in paced movement—light exercise, stretching, or breathing exercises.
- Include enjoyable activities or time to relax in your routine.
- Reduce stress and delegate extra responsibilities when possible.
- Maintain healthy sleep and eating habits, and address other physical or mental health concerns.
- Stay connected with your support system, sharing openly about how you’re feeling.
Isolation is common when experiencing pain, but connection is crucial. Discuss your baseline functioning and strategies with loved ones during times when you feel well, so they know how to support you during difficult days.