For people with mental health conditions and pain

This edition of the Pain Toolkit....is for people who have mental health conditions and pain.

This edition of the Pain Toolkit has put together with Linda, who has a vast experience supporting people with mental health and long-term conditions. More about Linda on Page 4.

A persistent or long-term pain problem can be difficult to understand and manage on an everyday basis.

Like many people I struggled to manage my back pain in the early 1990’s. I was bounced around the NHS, being passed around to different doctors and consultants. During that time, I became depressed and reached a very low point in my life.

I was lucky to get myself on a pain management programme, which gave me the information, but more importantly, the confidence to start managing my pain, myself. 

Is it easy? Well it’s like most things, you have to work at it. I’m not an academic guy, but all I can tell you, is that if I can do it, then I know others can.

The Pain Toolkit is a simple information booklet that could provide you with some handy tips and skills to support you along the way to manage your pain. It is not meant to be the last word in pain self-management but a helpful guide to help you get started. 

First step is to be is willing to read it and take on board some of the suggestions.

Living with pain and a mental health problem can be tricky and you may need some help, as I did at times. Where do you get help from? Well, help and support can come from your family, friends, healthcare teams, work colleagues and now the Pain Toolkit.