Catastrophizing and Back Pain

http://www.thespinejournalonline.com/article/S1529-9430(14)00243-5/abstract

 

It's not easy to stop catastrophizing when the bills pile up.
I think a lot of people with TMS have back and other pain because of economic worries.
How do we stop worrying about them?

 

I have realised that my "catastrophising" thoughts have helped keep me in a cycle of chronic pain and fatigue lately. This is a good reminder to overcome those "all or nothing" thoughts. I have a tendency to think, "this will go on forever", "I'll never get better", or "I will lose my job and have to move in with my parents".

One of the things that stressed me out the most was the possibility that I would have to move back with my family, as I don't get along with my parents very well. My financial situation led me to think this was an inevitable outcome. However, I recently stopped working, and to my surprise my parents have agreed to support me financially to live out of home.

I realised that most of my worst fears do not materialise… but even if they do, there is no point dwelling on them in advance. I want to make the most of each day for "tomorrow will worry about itself".