I also deal with chronic pain. In my experience, many mental health workers are not trained to deal effectively and compassionately with those of us who are physically challenged.

Some truly do believe that it is -all in their head-, some believe that we are all getting secret emotional pay off for being ill. Some have not examined their own prejudices and beliefs. Some disdain anyone who says they experience physical pain, we are seen as being needy/weak willed/manipulative.

If a mental health worker that came to my apartment tried to give me a bad time about my housekeeping, I hope I would be able to question their assumptions, and tell them that if they are truly concerned for my well being, that they could jolly well connect me up with chore worker help. They can either put up or shut up.

Ideally all these helper folks, mental health included, would be part of a team with us, they would work with us, not act as if they are our parents/employer/judge of our worth as human beings.

Sarah