Those of us who carry emotional pain know that, odd as it may be, it can cause us actual physical pain too!

Additionally, many of us also endure physical pain due to ailments or disabilities – we have to learn to manage our pain to reduce our downtime, because we deserve to live our lives to our maximum potential.

So how can we reduce our pain to support our mental wellbeing?

Firstly, recognise that you do suffer with pain – you don’t have to surrender to it, simply acknowledge the fact that you suffer with it. Say goodbye to former days of suffering; and being a martyr only hurts yourself! This shift in your attitude is important because you can start doing something positive about it.

For me, I spent far too many years pretending that I wasn’t in pain, before I finally discussed pain management with my doctor and my paramedic daughter.

These days I take regular medication and no longer see taking pills as anything but helpful.

I’m also strict about getting enough sleep as it supports my emotional wellbeing, and I maintain a healthy bedtime regime: no devices before bed, a hot bath, lavender oil etc. I also walk as much as possible and take time out for stretching my limbs.

The key in managing pain is self-discipline and setting down a routine that you stick to rigidly, whilst adopting an attitude of feeling grateful. I, for example, only have cerebral palsy on one side of my body, whereas most people with the same disability as I sadly can’t walk. I realise how lucky I am to live a relatively normal life and for that I am so thankful. Every day I count my blessings – it is extremely enriching and motivates me to keep on top of my pain management to promote healthy mental wellbeing.