You may not have good
social support. Perhaps you avoid other people. This may be because:
You feel ashamed and don't want to talk to anyone.
Your condition makes other
people wary of you. For example, if you rarely leave the house because it hurts too much to move, people
might think they shouldn't bother you.
You feel too sad to want to talk to
You have no family and few friends where you
If you can improve your social support, it can help you
deal with your pain. Here are some ways you can make your social support
Know that social support is a two-way street.
You count on your social network for support, and its members also count on
you. Ask them about their families, jobs, and interests. And help them when you
Know your friends' limits. You don't have to see or call your
friends every day. If you're going through a rough patch, ask friends if it's
okay to contact them outside of the usual boundaries.
complain or talk about yourself. Know when it's time to stop talking and listen
or to just enjoy your friend's company.
Be clear when you talk with others. Ask questions to be sure you know what people want. If you ask
for something, be sure you make yourself understood. Listen to what your
friends have to say, and don't judge them.