Not everyone who experiences chronic pain will feel suicidal but here are some of the ways chronic pain could contribute to suicidal thoughts. Understanding these factors, can help us put things in place to help mitigate suicide risk.

Psychological distress - Chronic pain can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Persistent emotional distress can exacerbate feelings of despair and increase the risk of suicide.

Social isolation - Pain can limit our ability to participate in social activities, leading to feelings of loneliness and isolation. Lack of social support can further amplify suicidal ideation.

Loss of functionality - Chronic pain may impair our ability to perform daily tasks, pursue hobbies, or maintain employment. Loss of functionality can lead to a sense of worthlessness and hopelessness, contributing to suicidal thoughts.

Treatment challenges - Finding effective treatment for chronic pain can be difficult. Failed treatments, stigma, and face barriers to accessing adequate support can exacerbate feelings of hopelessness.

Comprehensive care that addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of chronic pain can be crucial. This may include a combination of medical treatments, psychotherapy, social support, and lifestyle modifications. Additionally, loved ones and healthcare providers should be vigilant for signs of suicidal ideation and provide appropriate support and intervention when necessary.

Supporting someone experiencing chronic pain requires empathy, patience, and understanding. Here are some ways to provide meaningful support

Listen – allow them to express their feelings, frustrations, and concerns without judgement by actively and empathetically listening.

Validate their feelings – avoid dismissing or minimising experiences as this can make someone feel unheard.

Offer practical assistance – sometimes the pain someone is experiencing can make it more challenging to do simple household tasks and chores. If you’re able to, offering practical support with some daily tasks or chores (for example picking up stuff from the supermarket if you’re there) can really help.

Be flexible and patient – pain levels and abilities fluctuate day to day so willingness to adapt plans and activities to fit with someone’s needs can them stay connected socially.

Encourage self-care - encourage them to prioritise their physical and mental wellbeing and support their efforts to manage their pain through healthy lifestyle choices, relaxation techniques, and self-care activities.

Respect their boundaries - respect their preferences regarding their pain management and treatment. Try to avoid offering unwanted advice or pushing them to try treatments they're not comfortable with.

Remember that supporting someone with chronic pain can be challenging, and it's essential to take care of your own wellbeing as well. Reach out to other friends, family members, or support networks for your own support and guidance when needed.

Finding effective coping mechanisms may require experimentation and persistence.

Some of the things that can help include:

• Mindfulness
• Physical activity
• Pacing and activity moderation
• Creative expression
• Relaxation and self-care

Remember, what works for one person may not work for another, so individuals should explore a variety of strategies and tailor them to their specific needs and preferences.

Read more about coping mechanisms on the Mersey Care chronic pain webpages.

Find out more about support and resources available for chronic pain in our support directory.