Hi Alisa,
Thank you for your question. It sounds like the pain your sister-in-law is experiencing is very difficult to cope with. It is great that you are reaching out to help her find support.
It can be scary when someone is talking about suicide. There are things you can do to help.
Here is a resource page from Lifeline called I’m worried about someone. Some of the steps from this page are:
Call LifeLine 13 11 14.
Text support https://www.lifeline.org.au/crisis-text/
Chat service https://www.lifeline.org.au/crisis-chat/
It is important for her GP and other health professionals to know that she talks about ending her life. If you are unsure how to support her with her thoughts of suicide, you can call Lifeline yourself to become more confident in how to support her.
If she hasn’t already, it would be good for her to book into a GP about her pain. A GP can direct her to the best available assessment and treatment. She may be experiencing injury pain (caused by damaged body tissue) or neuropathic pain (caused by the brain’s pain processing pathways rather than injury). It is important to identify the cause of her pain to recommend different treatment.
Here is our fact sheet on pain post stroke. If she is experiencing chronic neuropathic pain due to her stroke, there are some strategies for treatment and recovery. A holistic approach may be needed including medication for pain, cognitive behavioural therapy, activity, or even treating depression to reduce pain. Poor sleep can make pain worse, so making changes to ensure good quality sleep will help.
Her GP may refer her to a pain specialist or a multidisciplinary pain clinic for further support. A multidisciplinary pain clinic teaches techniques to cope with chronic pain to restore your quality of life even if the pain itself is not completely relieved. You can find more information in this pain service directory
Here are a few more pain resources:
EnableMe- Resource on pain management
Pain Australia- including forums
Chronic pain and brain injury resource
I am sorry to hear how devastating this is for your sister-in-law. It must also be hard to watch her go through such excruciating pain. Remember there is support available for her and for family members.
Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Call 13 11 14
Text support https://www.lifeline.org.au/crisis-text/
Chat service https://www.lifeline.org.au/crisis-chat/
If you or your sister-in-law would like to talk with one of our allied health professionals, please contact StrokeLine. Call 1800 787 653 or email strokeline@strokefoundation.org.au. We’re available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm AEST.
With kind regards,
Kath, StrokeLine