Psychological interventions

[kenjod]

I have not tried any psychological interventions but I am considering exploring this path. Just wondering if anyone has come across any studies (especially videos) that discuss psychological technques they wold recommend.

[Hazel_Angelstar Administrator FMA UK Staff]

I have had counselling a few times, and use cbt techniques, reiki, crystals and mindfulness among other stuff to manage the psychological aspects

[kenjod in reply to Hazel_Angelstar]

I recently watched a video with the catchy title "the reign of pain lies mainly in the brain" and suggested psychological techniques could be very effective.

[madblondebint]

I've just started using the curable app a couple of days ago, they give you exercises and education to try retrain your brain and its pain reaction. Too early for it to be effective yet.

[Brianmurphy963]

I did a group pain management course years ago now, there were ten of us with various chronic pain issues. We bounced ideas back and forth about what works for us as individuals. For years now I've been using computer games to distract from the pain, getting engrossed gives me a bit of relief as long as I can stay concentrated. Others used things like puzzle books, movies, reading, model building etc. It all amounts to the same thing. There was a lot more to the group but this was a great help to myself

[BlueTofu]

I use counselling for general support. I have been through pain management, which now has psychological aspects involved. It does make a difference. Talking to others in a pain conditions support group means you can socialise with the understanding that you are struggling at times, but are still living a life; so discuss all sorts of things as well as pain management.

[BlueTofu]

I find CBT not that effective, nor the acceptance and commitment pain version. Once you have the basic ideas of, am I catastrophizing, thinking either or, believing in mind reading.

[Jaycee18]

counselling didn’t work for me, but I didn’t gel with the counsellor and I am also quite a private person so it was probably the people rather than the process.

I do find guided mindfulness/meditation sessions helpful. There are plenty of apps and online sessions you can follow. They do help calm and relax body and mind so I think as the tension eases so does the pain a little.

I also find exercise like Pilates or yoga helpful. Again I think they calm or distract the mind and body away from the pain, as well as stretching muscles and easing tension.

[Midori]

Fibro is a difficult beast. I find it's better to keep up exercise (within your limitations), and ask for your bloods to be checked for Vitamin D in particular, as winter time with little to no sun can deplete your Vitamin D, which can eventually lead to osteoporosis, as the body, when it needs Vit D, will take it from your bones if it isn't supplemented, but do check with your Doctor first.

Apart from that, welcome to the Club nobody wants to join!

Cheers, Midori

[tiilda]

hi, Claudia here. I have been trying therapy but so far hasnt helped much. I will try longer though...One thing that has helped a lot is qigong exercises I have done online - helps me make peace with my body.