chronic pain.

what is chronic pain?

Pain can be described and experienced in many different ways, and can be acute (short lived) or chronic (on-going). Pain is an individual experience, and the extent can only be appreciated by the person experiencing it. Chronic pain is a real condition, that involves a number of physical factors (many of which no one understands well) and psychological factors. 

Chronic pain is pain that typically has lasted for three to six months, or beyond the period of time expected for the injury or trauma. This type of pain can be very distressing, and impact on a persons emotional and physical wellbeing. The aim of treatment of chronic pain is to reduce the impact of pain on a person's life and their day-to-day functioning. 

Sometimes we're more fragile than we let on.



Through awareness comes understanding, through understanding comes knowledge, through knowledge comes wellbeing.

Chronic pain appears to occur when nerves become over-sensitive, and send warning messages to the brain either when no injury is present, or when an injury has fully healed. Chronic pain often involves a difficult cycle. Pain results in reduced activity levels, which in turn contributes to a reduction in fitness and increased tiredness. This then can lead to poor sleep, and emotions such as stress, anger, anxiety and low mood. This results in more pain and the cycle continues.

I feel calmer now and more able to manage my day to day.

“Help – best received before you really need it.”



doing things differently.

Psychology factors have an influence on how we experience pain and fatigue, and also the amount of suffering they cause. What we do (our behaviour or actions) has an impact on how we manage and experience pain, and even small changes to this can have a positive impact.

things to try

how can fresh minds help?

Fresh Minds can help you connect your dots across mind, mood and wellness. We provide simple tools, helping you navigate a complex life.

Accepting who I
am, and not who I
should be.

fresh minds therapy

One-to-one therapy sessions designed around your personal needs, either in-person, over the phone or video

fresh minds learnings

Live and interactive webinar modules, online resources and workshops – easy access to the answers you need.

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fresh minds workplace

We work with organisations to develop bespoke solutions to support mind, mood and wellness in the workplace.

This resource was developed by a Fresh Minds psychologist, adapted from Te Hikuwai developed by Te Pou o Te Whakaaro Nui resources. For more information on our qualified therapists visit our team. 

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