Harnessing Mental Health Skills to Tackle Chronic Pain
Episode Overview
Darcy Patrick shares his journey from severe depression to wellness. Using mental health skills like CBT and mindfulness to manage chronic pain. The importance of acceptance in dealing with physical limitations. Practical tips on adapting daily activities despite pain. The role of family support in coping with chronic pain.
I had to come to grips with what I was now and who I was now and work within it.
Ever wondered how mental health skills can help you cope with physical pain? In this episode of 'Life Unscripted - Stories of Mental Health and Addiction', host Janice Arnoldi sits down with Darcy Patrick, a mental health advocate, speaker, coach, and author of five books. Darcy shares his incredible journey from severe depression to wellness and how he now uses those same mental health skills to manage debilitating back pain caused by an unexplained spinal infection.
Darcy’s story is a testament to resilience and the power of mental health techniques in overcoming physical challenges. Darcy opens up about the sudden onset of his back pain, which left him unable to move and eventually led to a diagnosis of a bacterial infection eating away at his spine. Despite numerous medical interventions, including emergency spinal surgery and extensive antibiotic treatments, Darcy continues to live with chronic pain. Yet, his approach to life remains positive and proactive.
He discusses how he adapted his meditation and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) practices to accept his new normal and find ways to enjoy life despite his limitations. The conversation also touches on the importance of acceptance in dealing with chronic pain. Darcy explains how he shifted his focus from trying to return to his old self to embracing his current state and finding new ways to engage in activities he loves, like gardening and drawing.
His story is filled with practical advice on using mindfulness and CBT to manage pain, making it a must-listen for anyone dealing with similar struggles. Darcy’s insights are not just about coping with pain but also about maintaining a positive state of mind. He shares how he uses mantras like 'I am love, I am kindness, I am compassion' to stay grounded and compassionate towards himself and others.
His reflections on family dynamics and the support he receives from his loved ones add another layer of depth to this inspiring episode. If you're looking for practical tips on managing chronic pain or simply need a dose of inspiration, this episode is for you. Darcy’s journey is a powerful reminder that while we may not control what happens to us, we can control how we respond.
So why not give it a listen and see how you can apply these mental health skills in your own life?