Self-Management of Chronic Pain

Featured resource from Department of Veterans Affairs Whole Health Library

About a 5-minute read

Living with the psychological weight or emotional trauma from your service is an exhausting battle, but healing is entirely possible through a trusted care network. The Department of Veterans Affairs Whole Health Library provides an empowering look at recovery in their guide, Self-Management of Chronic Pain. Rather than relying solely on clinical prescriptions, this guide focuses on mindful self-care, patient empowerment, and supportive relaxation strategies to help you reclaim your daily life. Your resilience matters, and finding a tailored path forward can ease both the mind and body.

Your service shaped you, and your resilience is real. Asking for support is part of the same strength.

Should you feel at risk of self-harm, please contact 988 (the National Helpline) immediately or proceed to the nearest hospital. Veterans can press 1 after dialing 988 for specialized care.

Read the original resource

For the full piece, visit Department of Veterans Affairs Whole Health Library.

What can bring comfort

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Mindful self-care

Slow breathing, gentle stretching and quiet time are small tools you can use anywhere to ease both body and mind.

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Take the lead

Whole-health care puts you in charge: you decide what matters most to you and build a plan around it.

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Lean on your team

Battle buddies, family, peer groups and your care team all help. Recovery tends to go better with company.

Small steps you can take this week

Pick one relaxation practice and try it for five minutes a day.
Keep a simple note of what helps you feel steadier.
Reconnect with a fellow veteran or a peer support group.
Ask your care team about options beyond medication alone.
Set one small, realistic goal for the week and celebrate it.

Questions to bring to a provider

What self-care approaches could fit my daily life?
What VA or community programs are available to me?
How can my family be involved in my care?

Helping a veteran: be patient, avoid pressure to share, and let them know you are glad they are here and ready to listen whenever they choose.

Where to find support

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Dial 988, then press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line
Veterans Crisis Line text
Text 838255

Want a clearer picture of how you are doing?

The M3 assessment is a brief, private questionnaire you can complete in minutes and share with your clinician. It is informational and is not a diagnosis.

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This article is general, supportive information. It is not medical advice or a diagnosis. Please speak with a qualified health professional about your own situation.

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If you are in crisis or thinking of harming yourself, dial or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or go to your nearest emergency room. The M3 Review is informational and is not a diagnosis.