Chronic pain touches people of all ages, including teenagers. For teens trying to navigate school obligations, burgeoning relationships, and family life, chronic pain can feel especially heavy.
That’s why parents need to intervene to help their children find solutions to their symptoms. Taking a holistic approach that considers the emotional and physical impacts of chronic pain is often the best answer, and this guide will outline how parents can show support.
How Chronic Pain Hurts Teens
Conditions like migraines, arthritis, and depression can cause ongoing pain in teens. When a teen feels achy or uncomfortable, they may be more likely to retreat from social interactions and responsibilities. This can trigger anxiety and exacerbate problems like depression.
In some cases, especially when chronic pain stems from spinal issues, teens may benefit from advanced treatments such as minimally invasive back surgery, which can offer relief with less downtime and disruption to their daily lives.
Many people associate chronic pain with adulthood, making it harder for teens to talk openly about their challenges. Teens may miss out on friendships and participation in enriching social activities due to a sense of embarrassment or fear.
Worse yet, they may doubt the legitimacy of their pain, keeping their stresses bottled up while their self-confidence plummets. Consequently, it’s imperative to destigmatize chronic pain in teens and find ways to help. Parents should work with school staff to make necessary arrangements for teens with chronic pain. Extensions on assignments or breaks from sitting may be necessary, for example.
Encouraging Communication
When parents establish a home that encourages open communication, they’re taking a big step toward helping a teen with chronic pain. Simply asking a teen how they’re feeling or what causes them to feel pain or anxiety can be an excellent start to a conversation.
Parents must let their teen know that they’ll listen and do what they can to help. Parents can also encourage their teens to use journaling, music, or other creative endeavors to channel their pain and frustrations.
Parents may need to explore different treatment options, too, depending on the severity of a teen’s pain. Medications or targeted injections can offer critical relief. Similarly, physical therapy and counseling can provide comfort and support. Ultimately, parents should seek the guidance of medical professionals, including pain specialists or psychologists.
Finding Coping Solutions
While medicinal interventions or even surgeries can be necessary to address some forms of chronic pain, other strategies can help with coping, too. Sometimes physical activity, like yoga or jogging, can ease stress that causes pain. Meditation and focused breathing exercises can provide a better sense of mindfulness, as well.
Other options include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which can give teens the tools to reshape how they think and deal with stressors. Since stress can make pain worse, CBT offers a useful framework for coping. In addition, parents can work with teens to create daily routines where they can carve out time to prioritize their metal wellness.
Supporting Your Teen
Chronic pain can bring intense physical symptoms that are disruptive for teens. But the emotional fallout can be even worse. Chronic pain can lead to depression, cause teens to miss out on socialization opportunities, and hinder academic progress.
Parents can provide support by helping teens find coping strategies and seeking medical help. Perhaps most importantly, they can offer a compassionate presence and listen when their teen needs an outlet or sounding board.
Also read:
How to Know If My Teen is Depressed
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