Frustration at circumstances you can't control
I'm well aware of how emotions can affect pain levels. The more stress and tension you hold in your body, the more difficult pain management is.
Work stress is pretty common - most people know that tension in the neck, upper back and arms from loads of computer work can cause the worst headaches. But you (most of the time) have some agency at work - you can complain, do a different task or a task differently, work with other people, do something a little differently. Or take time off.
Worse, is a more gneral frustration at a situation that you have absolutely no influence over. This build up of frustration increases tension thoughout the body, messes with digestion, gives rise to angry outbursts (warranted or not), and of course, increases pain and inflammation in those tense areas.
It’s a growing disaster for someone who has multiple chronic pain conditions.
I’m in the middle of moving house and planning an big overseas trip (September) to help my mother fix the mess she was left with after moving house. The trip itself is going to be stressful and painful in many ways - dealing with family issues, memories, mum’s depression, and the looooong flights themselves. That’s more worry, anger at my sibling who left mum there in such a mess, and antipation of the physical negatives than frustration though.
The frustration is building about the place I’m moving into - it is currently being repaired.
It took three months before a viewing appointment was possible (due to the repair work), then another week until I got the keys after signing the contract.
Now, just over a week after handover, and still the floor and the terrace have not been finished. I can’t even clean or paint, or put furniture in the correct spots, or unpack, because sanding the floorboards will make so much dust.
We also have to build our kitchen cupboards ourselves, and install the worktop, gas stove and sink - this has been estimated at likely 4-8 weeks (when we’re overseas).
It feels also very uncomfortable for the workmen to have the keys to our flat, and be able to come and go as they please. After we have moved in. Even if we aren’t at home.
My current flat is listed as available from early September. I don’t know if the new place will even be finished by then and ready to move into, at this rate.
Plus, the cats aren’t dealing well with the summer heat. Cookie is ill, and Johnny needs to be shaved by the vet - his matted fur is simply too tight for us to handle. Poor things.
Thus, I’m frustrated and worried, tension and anger is mounting, and the pain symptoms of all my illnesses are worsening, adding to the effects of the summer heat. I am not a summer person.
All up, a definite ouch.
The people around me are suffering through my grumpy, painful mood. I’m trying to mitigate it by exploring Skyrim and preparing handouts for my classes. But I’m not coping with it all.
How do you reduce such frustration, tension and manage pain when circumstances are out of your control?