5 Things Not To Say To Somebody With Chronic Pain - with CBT Psychotherapist Sheena Rydings
Sheena Rydings: Specialist Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist Helping Those with Chronic Pain
With over 15 years of experience as a therapist and more than two decades in psychology and mental health, Sheena Rydings is a fully accredited Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist (BABCP) dedicated to supporting individuals facing chronic pain and long-term health conditions. She integrates CBT, ACT, CFT, and EMDR to provide a holistic approach to mental well-being.
🚫 5 Things NOT to Say to Someone with Chronic Pain 🚫
1️⃣ "Have you tried exercising? It really helped my friend!" – While movement can be beneficial, chronic pain is complex and not always alleviated by exercise.
2️⃣ "Stay positive!" – Encouraging optimism is good, but dismissing someone's pain can feel invalidating.
3️⃣ "I hurt my foot last week, I know how you feel." – Temporary injuries heal; chronic pain is ongoing and different.
4️⃣ "I’m sure they can fix it these days." – Many chronic conditions have no simple cure, making this statement frustrating.
5️⃣ "You don’t look sick." – Chronic pain is often invisible but very real.