Stop Awfulizing: The Key to Pain Management - Dr. Beverly Thorn on Cognitive Techniques

Mind My Age

In this episode, Dr. Beverly E. Thorn discusses the relationship between chronic pain and mental health and how innovative psychological approaches can help manage chronic pain effectively. She emphasizes the importance of physical activity, social connections, and curiosity in maintaining a youthful mindset. Dr. Thorn's journey into the field of chronic pain management and her focus on combining neuroscience and psychology are highlighted. She shares tools and resources for managing chronic pain, including addressing pain catastrophizing and practicing realistic self-talk. The role of cognitive behavioral therapy in pain management is explored, along with strategies such as relaxation techniques, meditation, and paying attention to physical activity. Dr. Thorn's research on cognitive behavioral therapy for chronic pain in low-income populations is discussed, as well as emerging therapies and the importance of community support. The gate control theory of pain and the influence of thoughts and emotions on pain perception are explained. The power of reframing stressful events as challenges and the impact of breathing techniques on stress reduction are explored. The concept of putting oneself in charge and developing a strong belief in one's abilities is discussed, along with the role of discipline and practice in implementing pain management strategies. In this conversation, Dr. Beverly Thorn discusses strategies for managing chronic pain and the importance of incorporating behavioral health into pain management. She emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach that includes physical, psychological, and social aspects. Dr. Thorn provides practical tips for individuals experiencing chronic pain, such as practicing deep breathing and paying attention to well behaviors. She also addresses the role of loved ones in supporting someone with chronic pain and highlights the importance of finding a healthy balance between being overly solicitous and being angry or dismissive. Additionally, Dr. Thorn discusses the power of thoughts and the importance of challenging negative self-talk. The conversation concludes with a discussion about Dr. Thorn's upcoming book on dementia caregiving and the importance of mental health support for caregivers.

Story Notes:

• Physical activity, social connections, and curiosity are important for maintaining a youthful mindset and managing chronic pain.
• Combining neuroscience and psychology is crucial in understanding and managing chronic pain.
• Tools for managing chronic pain include addressing pain catastrophizing and practicing realistic self-talk.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy, relaxation techniques, meditation, and paying attention to physical activity are effective in pain management.
• Community support and connecting with peers can help reduce suffering and improve chronic pain management.
• Reframing stressful events as challenges and using breathing techniques can help reduce stress and pain perception.
• Developing a strong belief in oneself and practicing discipline are important in implementing pain management strategies. Chronic pain management requires a comprehensive approach that addresses physical, psychological, and social aspects.
• Practical strategies for managing chronic pain include deep breathing, paying attention to well behaviors, and challenging negative self-talk.
• Loved ones can support individuals with chronic pain by finding a healthy balance between being overly solicitous and being angry or dismissive.
• Thoughts are not set in stone, and it is possible to change negative self-talk to be more helpful and realistic.
• Mental health support is crucial for caregivers of individuals with dementia.

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