See Alike in...

Alike App

Browser

Dealing with Mood Swings Caused by Pain

The Alike Team

620d

Getting moody when in pain is inevitable. How do you deal?

118

167

167

Headache

Generalized pain

Migraine

Chronic Generalized pain

Gabapentin

Paracetamol

Ibuprofen

Low Back Pain

Fentanyl

Chest pain

Neck Pain

Abdominal Distention

Oxycodone

View all
Top reply
    • Jules78

      26d

      Keep to myself

      0

      Reply
      Chat
    • Jules78

      26d

      Keep to myself

      0

      Reply
    • Overcomer

      30d

      I hurts a lot but I have learned to smile during it. Few times I cry. But I can't feel my body around people therefore it's a plus for me

      0

      Reply
    • Kitty23

      41d

      Journaling for sure, just voicing the injustice I feel re: the pain itself + the healthcare system. Sleeping is great reprieve too, or doing something distracting with my partner.

      0

      Reply
    • Flutterbye

      44d

      When I'm in extreme pain I try and stay to myself, unfortunately I can't always do that. I do get snappy or short with people. When I do I apologize for it and let them know my pain levels are up. Then I'll go to my room or I'll put my headphones on and listen to a book on my phone.

      0

      Reply
    • JXARabbit

      45d

      Self care šŸ’†šŸ½ā€ā™€ļø

      0

      Reply
    • Jada2001

      46d

      Absolutely I do but I've gotten better than I used to be ā¤ļøšŸ’ŸšŸ’ŸšŸ’Ÿ

      0

      Reply
    • MagickalRebel

      54d

      I usually just go to bed, šŸ˜„ sometimes it's not an option so sitting in the bathroom for a little bit helps.

      0

      Reply
    • hydroepilepic21

      66d

      I dont, I just get more moody

      0

      Reply
    • Penpalz183

      69d

      Meds and music...they both help

      1

      Reply
    • LaurenRomero

      75d

      Sleep

      0

      Reply
    • sammy1988

      75d

      I read the bible and pray..šŸ’•

      1

      Reply
    • wheely_kismet

      76d

      I will go to sleep if I can

      0

      Reply
    • Overcomer

      218d

      Redirect my mind away from the pain on to something else. Sometimes it helps

      0

      Reply
    • Aiya_the_ill

      345d

      I leave any social situation, focus on nothing but my breath, and remind myself that pain is an ever changing sensation. Just take one more breath.

      0

      Reply
    • bretange

      465d

      I try to talk through it with trusted love ones that get me. My husband sometimes goes above and beyond to help with pain and moodiness and other times just gives me space or tolerates me šŸ˜‚ they are all great compared to a previous ex who would explode at me and make it so much worse. I try to tell people something along the lines "I'm sorry I'm so moody. I just (am in pain, am upset, etc.) and it's hard to hold it all in. It's not at you and I appreciate you being patient with me."

      0

      Reply
    • teiovex

      465d

      I go on walks/drives, I make art (mostly writing,) listen to music, organize

      0

      Reply
    • man_of_the_moon

      471d

      Draw and listen to songs that motivate me

      0

      Reply
      • Bre19

        65d

        @man_of_the_moon that's wonderful

        0

        Reply
    • Makayla1228

      472d

      i normally listen to music if im not being needed by anyone

      0

      Reply
    • Keisha

      472d

      i tell whoever iā€™m with that i need time alone, usually curled up in my blankets. when the pain gets too much i start to shake and cry

      0

      Reply
      • Bre19

        54d

        @Keisha that sounds difficult to deal with I'm so sorry

        0

        Reply
    • Cara55

      472d

      I cry when I'm in serious pain

      0

      Reply
    • Redvelninja

      477d

      My pain is more emotional than physical. For me, it's painful to know that not everybody doesn't have the skills or emotional maturity or high enough eq to understand that communication requires open lines in order for understanding, compassion and empathy to happen.

      0

      Reply
    • Red914

      499d

      I have a great support in my husband, so I just explain to him that I'm pain-gry and I need to be alone. I usually go upstairs and lay down. If he needs to run interference with others, he does that too.

      0

      Reply
    • Kadair

      499d

      I try not to get irritable with people or family when it pain. I am usually always in pain but I have learned to not be irritable when the pain is minimal. Sometimes I do get snappy when in a lot of pain. Yesterday I had a migraine so bad but I had things that I had to do for the family. So I had to go on like nothing was happening even though my head and neck were in so much pain. I guess sometimes I have to ignore it in a way, but not really. Kinda hard to explain.šŸ˜•

      0

      Reply
    • Peechii

      499d

      I let it be very known im in pain and sometimes if i know im going to be really irritable (even more than usual pain irritability) i appologise in advance, but i try and distance myself and do whatever i can quietly and by myself at a pace i can manage and allow myself breaks when i need to

      0

      Reply
    • Rory_

      500d

      I try to voice that Iā€™m in a lot of pain instead of allowing myself to sit and watch it all build up. But when the physical pain just keeps mounting up, it then triggers other disorders such as my BPD.

      0

      Reply
    • sorenachy

      501d

      I just let others know I'm in a lot of pain. My coworkers tend to help me out a lot more because they know I'm trying

      0

      Reply
      • Bre19

        65d

        @sorenachy that's good!

        0

        Reply
    • MakoLita

      501d

      I tell my husband and friends "I'm struggling with my emotions because of my pain, please be aware of that when I react." I also listen to music. Usually Taylor Swift or Panic at the Disco.

      0

      Reply
    • KratomEater

      503d

      Anything natural that is anti inflammatory helps. Pineapple, turmeric and many more. Foods that cause inflammation: Try to avoid or limit these foods as much as possible: refined carbohydrates, such as white bread and pastries French fries and other fried foods soda and other sugar-sweetened beverages red meat (burgers, steaks) and processed meat (hot dogs, sausage) margarine, shortening, and lard. Here is one of my sources cited šŸ‘‰šŸ½ https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/foods-that-fight-inflammation

      0

      Reply
    • Njade

      503d

      If alone, i will cry my eyes out til i cant cry anymore. Crying just helps even if its not always that painful. And if i can sleep i will 100% sleep to avoid the pain. And if i cant do either of those i will try and play some games to distract me.

      0

      Reply
    • yumzy199725

      508d

      I listen to music until I feel calm šŸ‘‚šŸŽ¶šŸ˜Œ

      0

      Reply
    • lolly23

      510d

      I find pain relief meditations really helpful. Even when I was waiting to hear back from the xray of my broken hand the pain reduced. It wont necessarily completly go away but at least lessened I can cope.

      0

      Reply
      • Bre19

        54d

        @lolly23 that's good

        0

        Reply
    • SalineTurnip

      513d

      For the most part, I only deal with period pain. I have an app to remind me when it's coming so I can plan. I make sure I have plenty of Aleve and my heating pad is within reach. And I mostly just stay to myself. I don't need anyone's foolishness making my mood worse.

      0

      Reply
      • Bre19

        42d

        @SalineTurnip good idea

        0

        Reply
    • Bre19

      558d

      I do Meditation

      0

      Reply
    • tiredkrank

      566d

      Yessss I am that way myself šŸ™šŸ¤—

      0

      Reply
    • Dad.of.Many

      568d

      Had the "moody's" so long I just ride it out and my family knows the signs and walk on eggshells around me. Lol

      0

      Reply
    • CozyVibez

      568d

      I don't think I do lol. I'm just moody and not the nicest person hehehe. I might take myself aside for a bit but otherwise oh well!!!

      0

      Reply
    • Dad.of.Many

      581d

      I isolate. Probably not the best thing to do but it keeps me from hurting others feelings during that time.

      0

      Reply
    • BraeburnGirl

      582d

      I nap, or just read, or even just listen to quiet music in the dark. Sometimes I have a good hard cry, though that usually gives me a headache. Iā€™ll FaceTime with a friend if I can, or take a bath with pain relieving magnesium salts.

      0

      Reply
    • ZumaZyanya

      582d

      Lots of exercise

      0

      Reply
    • Faithe

      582d

      Sleep

      0

      Reply
    • Aquapalooza

      582d

      I take Acetaminophen (I get frequent headaches, especially when it's my time of the month) and sleep.

      0

      Reply
    • Vannah349

      582d

      Iā€™m still trying to figure that out..

      0

      Reply
    • sabbymer

      582d

      I've been able to separate 'oh this is my condition' so I don't take it out on people. So those around me know I'm feeling it but its not directed at any of them. I have a couple people around me that do the same. Sometimes it's 3 adhd humans vibing which can be very cute!

      0

      Reply
    • Exhausted_Aerialist

      582d

      Comedy and communicating that youā€™re in pain to the people you care about

      0

      Reply
      • Bre19

        75d

        @Exhausted_Aerialist so true

        0

        Reply
    • Croccin

      582d

      I make jokes like ā€œIā€™m collecting illnesses like PokĆ©monā€

      0

      Reply
    • lazydaisy

      593d

      Honestly, dark humor has helped me a ton throughout my life LOL

      1

      Reply
      • Bre19

        43d

        @lazydaisy felt

        0

        Reply
      • Morticia013

        583d

        @lazydaisy dark humor is my first language

        0

        Reply
    • Boo2004

      596d

      Look for apologies all the time and hope people can understand.

      0

      Reply
    • melanchollie

      597d

      i try to just be honest about why im a little standoffish and hope people understand

      0

      Reply
    • Dad.of.Many

      597d

      I tend to close in on myself. I have always loved thunderstorms, but now the pressure fronts that bring them in cause such intense pain that I can't enjoy the raw power anymore. That is one of my many pain issues.

      0

      Reply
    • Jjam44

      598d

      What kind of pain are we talking about? I recently had to stop taking clonezapam because I'm addicted to it and run out a few days early which is horrible on my body. Last month I woke up in the hospital after having a heart attack. I've spent the last 6 weeks trying to move past horrible pain in my gut because my muscles won't relax. I'm beginning to think that the pain will never get better. My Dr has me on Gabapentin that changes the pain a bit but I am pretty worthless right now. Do you all know about that kind of pain? Any suggestions on ways to deal with it?

      0

      Reply
    • MovaMoody

      598d

      My misery hates company, my goto move is to isolate, isolate & isolate again! In the past it would be in a very unhealthy way but now Iā€™ve managed to find peace & comfort in my solace, so now I isolate so that I can really tune into myself to better manage my emotions, recoup & try again ! ā¤ļø

      0

      Reply
    • Nikki5

      598d

      I usually just get away from everybody take some medicine like ibuprofen and just sit there with my hand on my head until it goes away, sometimes it's šŸ’© cause you can't ignore pain so I just šŸ™ and šŸ™ and then it goes away šŸ˜Š afterwards

      0

      Reply
    • Bthatonebish

      600d

      šŸ™ I'm the same way. But I'm in pain all the time. It NEVER goes away fully but when it gets REAL bad I get mean and bitchy.

      0

      Reply
    • AmaryllisRose

      600d

      I can relate with that- my husband has really bad pain and so intimacy is almost non-existent.

      0

      Reply
    • Belontine

      600d

      I try to tackle it from the root via pain management but sometimes I just gotta isolate cuz I already have a personality disorder so when Iā€™m getting a fibromyalgia attack on top of that Iā€™m absolutely unbearable šŸ˜­šŸ˜­

      0

      Reply
      • Bre19

        41d

        @Belontine I'm so sorry

        0

        Reply
    • FTW

      601d

      Marijuana has helped more than any meds i have tried in the last 20 years.

      1

      Reply
    • CozyVibez

      601d

      Music! My playlists boost my mood within a few minutes!

      1

      Reply
    • jess26

      604d

      I don't know I'm too moody people tell me to breath though it

      1

      Reply
    • Pfeiffer

      604d

      Comedy specials!

      0

      Reply
    • Gypsy_Soul

      604d

      Oh, and ibuprofen & anti inflammatory supplements daily.

      0

      Reply
    • Gypsy_Soul

      604d

      Iā€™ve had chronic pain for a looooong time. At one point my pain management doctor had me on Oxycodone AND a Fentanyl patch šŸ™ˆ. As much as they really helped me function while in severe pain, I knew I had to get myself off of themā€¦so now I do my best to get myself as relaxed as possible, sometimes I have to take a prescribed muscle relaxant if Iā€™m having bad back spasms, I use Voltaren gel, ice/heat, take care of & advocate for myself, I also ask for help when I need it-I got over my fear of doing that & itā€™s made a big difference. I also definitely try to sleep off the pain as well.

      0

      Reply
    • Denotchka

      605d

      I try to wait until the pain is gone.

      0

      Reply
    • Katharina

      605d

      Quite place, little walks, drink water, happy/healthy food, movies and shows, and puppy snuggles

      0

      Reply
    • wild.crow

      606d

      I usually sleep or just put on a favorite movie or feel good movie to try to get myself in a better mood. i also try to isolate so i donā€™t lash out at my family

      3

      Reply
    • thomarl

      606d

      i usually sleep or read, maybe something to play to get my mind off of it

      1

      Reply
    • NiiTA

      607d

      Go on Tiktok or listen to music to distract me šŸ¤·šŸ¾ā€ā™€ļø

      1

      Reply
    • Tink3rbelle

      607d

      I've recently hurt my shoulder. I cycled through ice and heat. I listened to music while reading. My husband fixed my favorite tea while I snuggled my kitties.

      1

      Reply
    • Kiojr

      607d

      I ice my pain. Watch relaxing videos something very interesting and boring at the same time so I can a fall asleep. Or I listen to music at the same as this. I usually donā€™t try to ignore it so I can ā€œfixā€ it but I do anything to stay away from that and promote relaxation.

      2

      Reply
    • TrippyDangerousMe

      607d

      I play video games amd try to keep to myself.

      2

      Reply
      • Bre19

        55d

        @TrippyDangerousMe me too

        0

        Reply
    • PlaslyMeds

      608d

      I donā€™t do much of anything

      1

      Reply
    • crys

      608d

      Kratom. I depend on it for a lot. I'm trying to get over the stigma associated with it.. still. šŸ˜‘

      1

      Reply
    • ShonE

      608d

      Oh man...you say sleep I wish I knew what that was. It seems it's not there anymore and I'm not good not dealing with that. When 4 or 5 days roll around and you've only had maybe an hour my brain doesn't function well.

      2

      Reply
      • Gypsy_Soul

        604d

        @ShonE Ohhhh, Iā€™m sorry, thatā€™s brutal šŸ˜ž I canā€™t function w/o at least 6-7 hours of sleep each nightā€¦if I donā€™t get enough my brain is mush, I have no patience, Iā€™m irritable & feel like Iā€™m getting sick. I really hope you can find a good way to get some rest šŸ˜“

        0

        Reply
    • RogueDream

      610d

      I cope with humor so I just try to make others laugh and have fun then eventually I sometimes feel some sort of relief but sometimes I donā€™t as well and need to find something to get my mind off of things

      1

      Reply
    • Ink789

      613d

      I joke, alot

      1

      Reply
    • bouncyroo11

      613d

      YouTube or show with a something to resolve the pain whatever that needs and patience

      1

      Reply
    • MatchaBunn

      614d

      I tell people around me that my tone is an indicator of my pain, and that itā€™s not personal. I grew up around a lot of people that would snap at you if you sounded a certain way, but Iā€™m trying to unwork that by making it clear to those around me.

      2

      Reply
    • dimemanda

      614d

      I put up a wall

      1

      Reply
    • TheRealPanda

      614d

      I literally just lash out and have an attitude with anyone who isnt helping me. I dont try thats just my response

      0

      Reply
    • TexAss

      614d

      I find someone who feels the same way and wants to get and give constant massages

      2

      Reply
    • YM

      616d

      I doodle with my guitar. I suck at making music but when I do write a riff that actually sounds nice Iā€™m really proud of myself.

      1

      Reply
    • Tomatoface

      616d

      I yell at people and throw things tbh

      2

      Reply
      • TexAss

        614d

        @Tomatoface I distract myself with other people's problems and try to help them. Test and educate yourself on nickel and baking soda allergy and see if your stomach pains get better after the results.

        1

        Reply
        • TexAss

          614d

          @TexAss If you have additionally any kind of chronic skin ailments, even as minimal as dandruff or acne, cutting out all cinnamon from my diet helped me.

          1

          Reply
    • spookyspoonie

      616d

      Im like the guy from SpongeBob. "Chocolate??? CHOCOLATE?????"

      3

      Reply
      • Bre19

        53d

        @spookyspoonie yesss

        0

        Reply
    • Fully.Healed

      616d

      I spent 20 years of my life in pain. We choose how we respond to pain. My goal was to always make people around me feel appreciated and better about themselves. So when I was in pain most of the time I softened my voice and spoke kindly, because life isn't about me and my pain. Life is about how we treat others. I pray you create the peace and joy you deserve.

      1

      Reply
      • TexAss

        616d

        @Fully.Healed I've spent the majority of my life in some kind of pain. Being soft spoken to me is more like being nonverbal. I kindly let everyone know around me that today, or that moment, is a very painful moment. If they continue to come at me with things they want me to do, or be rough around me and disturb my peace, then they start just getting a look. A look that means business and that business is whooping ass if they make me get up after I told them how I'm feeling. It's called respect. You don't get that by tip toeing around about your problems.

        5

        Reply
        • Tomatoface

          616d

          @TexAss Right??

          1

          Reply
    • Deb3

      616d

      When Iā€™m in the most pain, I just get very quiet. My husband has learned to read me; he can take one look at me and know Iā€™m having a particularly bad day. With migraines, they usually last a couple of weeks and I have to retire to my darkened and quiet bedroom. My overall pain is so severe every day that we have separate bedrooms so I can get more comfortable. Out the door went intimacy, which we both hate, but the pain is just too severe.

      3

      Reply
      • Jobetta

        567d

        @Deb3 wow to that I can relate!

        0

        Reply
    • Barrfamily

      617d

      Me too

      0

      Reply
    • tatertot731

      617d

      i try to do a small hobby while laying down and watching tv. like crocheting

      3

      Reply
      • Bre19

        53d

        @tatertot731 yesss same

        0

        Reply
    • spiritkitty

      617d

      New and can relate to you all. That's why I'm here. Have to find a way to hide it.

      0

      Reply
      • Vidya

        601d

        @spiritkitty why hide it?

        0

        Reply
    • Student_girl

      617d

      I hide alone in my dorm

      3

      Reply
    • Raesfurdaze

      617d

      I always tend to get moody when I'm having a high pain day, I find the best thing I can do is just apologize to those around me as often as I can and ask that they try and understand.

      5

      Reply
      • PolkaDot77

        600d

        @Raesfurdaze I do this too. If I hide away everything just feels worse. I also bring it up with them on low pain days so we can have a better discussion on it and have learned that they're all super understanding

        0

        Reply
    • VolcanoMama

      618d

      My husband suffers from a lot of joint pain and arthritis and it definitely makes him irritable. I feel like I can't help him or soothe him. Any suggestions?

      7

      Reply
      • Dcor8

        617d

        @VolcanoMama I do also rub on voltaren gel works for me even bone on bone in neck

        4

        Reply
        • Sissy2

          499d

          @Dcor8 volterin gel helps my finger bones!

          0

          Reply
        • smkeaton

          613d

          @Dcor8 @VolcanoMama I second the Voltaren gel! Works great for inflammation.

          1

          Reply
    • DCGuy

      618d

      Has anyone tried to work with a pain coach?

      2

      Reply
      • Bthatonebish

        600d

        @DCGuy yeah what's a pain coach? What do they do? And where do I find one?? šŸ¤—

        0

        Reply
      • Vidya

        601d

        @DCGuy what is a an coach?

        0

        Reply
    • Mama.Raspberry

      619d

      I take a bath with Lavender. There's a brand called Dr. Teal's. They use real essential oils and it helps. They have many different products.

      5

      Reply
      • Skyfire

        618d

        @Mama.Raspberry Dr. Teal's is the best!

        1

        Reply
        • Jeff54

          604d

          @Skyfire tea tree oil works wonders

          0

          Reply
    • RoseJay

      619d

      Hi

      0

      Reply
    • Ezra02

      619d

      I play some soft orchestral music and typically lay down or try to meditate if Iā€™m able. I try to take deep breaths and do square breathing

      2

      Reply
      • Quirky4You

        509d

        @Ezra02 yes, what is square breathing?

        0

        Reply
        • velvetgoldmine

          501d

          @Quirky4You if they are talking about box breathing itā€™s when you breath in for 5 seconds, hold for 5, breath out for 5, hold for 5 and then repeat - itā€™s helpful

          0

          Reply
      • Megsandpegs

        598d

        @Ezra02 square breathing?

        0

        Reply
    • lilchiquita

      620d

      I blackout my bed room, make it cold and lay under my blankets with my eyes closed. Usually 2 hours later I wake up on my own feeling so much better.

      16

      Reply
    • AngellMwi

      620d

      When I'm still able to be upright and moving, I do or say things to try and brighten the mood for others. This way I'm focusing on positive outcomes. When pain goes beyond that, I say I'm out of spoons, and put movies on in my room. I hide. I don't want to take it out on anyone.

      15

      Reply
    • d1sc0haus

      620d

      Whenever my migraines get to a point where I can no longer mask the pain, I will usually excuse myself from other people if I can. I'll go to my room if I'm at home or try to find a quiet area if I'm out somewhere.

      14

      Reply
      • Bre19

        345d

        @d1sc0haus that is a good idea I've gotten bad migraines to the point where the light makes it worse

        0

        Reply

ā˜ This content is generated by our users and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your physician before making any medical decision

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Want to chat or share? Download the Alike app now and get complete access to Alike.health's unique features.

Alike health

Instantly get answers to medical questions with our AI, built from the collective wisdom of our community facing similar experiences

Write your question here...

Get answer
Thank you! Your submission has been received!

Related Questions

Find people who are
experiencing a similar
medical reality

join the community
100% Free
100%
Free
Alike is a transformative platform that goes beyond just bringing together patients; it meticulously connects individuals based on multiple critical factors, such as age, gender, comorbidities, medications, diet, and more, fostering a community of knowledge, support and empathy.
Ā© 2020-2023 Alike, Inc
About AlikeWisdomFAQEditorial TeamAll ConditionsAll PostsAll Communities
Your PrivacyStoriesCommunity GuidelinesTerms of UsePrivacy PolicyBlogContact Us

Download Alike for the full experience

JOIN

View All

Bupropion

night sweats

paranoid

Valium

sertraline

palpitations

Anxiety (Including GAD)

Depression

palpitations

Depression

Valium

Bupropion