The invisible burden of living in unrelenting pain is a daily reality for people suffering from chronic pain, with dimensions that their families and caregivers may not always fully understand.
“Most of us think of pain as something deeply unpleasant but temporary. Chronic pain extends far beyond the physical discomfort of acute pain, and its mental health implications can be profound,” says Cayley Alberts, an occupational therapist and the Centre of Psychotherapy Excellence (COPE) manager at Netcare Akeso George.
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“Chronic pain differs from acute pain in that it persists for a long period, typically longer than three months, even after the original injury has healed or in the absence of a clearly identifiable physical cause. Rather than resolving over time, the pain becomes an ongoing part of the individual’s daily experience, often varying in intensity but rarely disappearing completely.”
Living in constant pain can profoundly affect a person’s emotional wellbeing and psychological functioning.
Unlike a visible injury such as a scar, a broken limb or a prominent wound, chronic pain often shows no outward signs and has no clear medical explanation that others can easily understand.
“This invisibility poses a significant challenge, as people living with chronic pain may appear outwardly ‘fine’ while enduring considerable internal distress. As a result, their struggles are often minimised, overlooked, or misunderstood. Consequently, many people endure their pain in isolation, without adequate validation or support,” Alberts says.
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When ongoing pain becomes a person’s inescapable daily reality, they may experience persistent frustration and irritability, feelings of helplessness or hopelessness, and heightened anxiety about flare-ups of their pain.
“Symptoms of depression and emotional exhaustion are all too common among people living in relentless discomfort. The persistent and unpredictable nature of pain can create a constant state of mental strain. Over time, this may erode resilience and significantly compromise a person’s overall sense of wellbeing.
“From the perspective of an occupational therapist working within psychiatry, we frequently observe how chronic pain affects multiple domains of daily life, including sleep, energy and eating patterns, mood and relationships, work and productivity, as well as a person’s identity and independence,” she says.
Chronic pain affects a person’s whole life, and Alberts says the full extent is too often overlooked or underestimated by people who haven’t experienced it themselves. Changes in mood, reduced social participation and loss of independence can take a serious toll on mental health.
“In occupational therapy, we recognise that movement and activity are more than physical, they are also essential tools for regulating the nervous system. Physical activity is a healthy outlet for stress, emotional expression, and self-regulation, yet chronic pain often limits people’s mobility and participation. For people who previously enjoyed sport or exercise, this can be particularly distressing and frustrating.”
Being deprived of opportunities for emotional regulation through exercise further increases mental health vulnerability, including anxiety, low mood, and feelings of hopelessness.
“It is vital to understand that the relationship between chronic pain and mental health is bidirectional. Chronic pain can contribute to the development of mental health difficulties, which, in turn, intensifies a person’s perception and experience of pain,” she explains.
This interconnected cycle highlights the importance of a holistic approach to treatment, addressing both the physical and psychological components of pain. Effective management of chronic pain often involves a collaborative, multidisciplinary team approach, as is practised at Netcare Akeso George. Working together, psychiatrists, psychologists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists and biokineticists address different aspects of the person’s chronic pain experience, providing necessary relief and support.
The role of occupational therapists is to support their clients in maintaining and improving their functional ability, even in the presence of pain, so they can live their lives as fully as possible. “We focus on adapting daily activities to be more manageable, teaching energy conservation and pacing strategies, and supporting the person to engage in meaningful activities. These are crucial for building alternative outlets for emotional regulation and enhancing the person’s independence and participation,” she explains.
“Chronic pain can be extensive and debilitating, and our goal is to help the person live a richer, more meaningful and fulfilling life, that is about more than pain alone. Ultimately, we aim to achieve a better quality of life even in the presence of pain and help the person rebuild their sense of self and build up their emotional resilience,” Alberts says.
To make an appointment with a psychologist, psychiatrist, or occupational therapist, please contact your nearest Netcare Akeso facility or download the Netcare app. In the event of a psychological crisis, call Netcare Akeso’s 24-hour crisis line on 0861 435 787, where experienced counsellors are available to listen and offer support at any time of day or night.
“For a moment, put yourself in the shoes of someone living with long-term pain. Often it is endured in silence, but individuals with chronic pain deserve to feel validated, recognised, and supported in professionally addressing both the visible and invisible aspects of pain.”
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About Netcare Akeso
Netcare Akeso operates a network of private inpatient mental health facilities and is part of the Netcare Group. Netcare Akeso provides individual, integrated and family-oriented treatment in specialised inpatient treatment facilities, as well as certain outpatient services, for a range of psychiatric, psychological and substance use conditions. Please visit www.akeso.co.za or contact [email protected] for further information.
In the event of a psychological crisis, call 0861 435 787, 24 hours a day for emergency support. Psychiatrist consultations can be made through Netcare appointmed™, online at www.netcareappointmed.co.za or by calling 0860 555 565.
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Issued by: MNA on behalf of Netcare Akeso George
For media enquiries Martina Nicholson, Meggan Saville, Estene Lotriet-Vorster,
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