When pain persists, most of us fall into patterns that are completely understandable and, at the same time, amplify the very thing we are trying to resolve. Fixating, fighting, fixing, freaking out, futurizing, and more are natural and understandable responses, and at the same time they feed the chronic pain cycle instead of interrupting it. This post names 12 of these patterns, and offers some practical ways to respond differently, without judgment, and leading to a very different F: Freedom.

Hypervigilance, pain catastrophizing, and avoidance are all natural responses to pain — and at the same time they can contribute to a pain-fear-avoidance cycle. Changing these behaviors, starting from a place of curious inquiry, can play a significant part in recovery.

Childhood adversity, depression, post-traumatic stress and personality traits can all play a role in chronic pain — and recovery. Healing is about experiencing a greater sense of agency, being in charge of our own healing, and reclaiming our lives.