Profile: sleep during the day and stay up during the night. Overweight due to depression and late night snacking. Self medicating with prescription medications and alcohol. Risk for accidental death as result of self medication. Inactive, avoidance of physical activity due to pain. Obesity and early onset of arthritis as result of limited physical activity. Minimal interaction with immediate and extended family. Avoidance of friends. Lack of interest in personal hygiene and personal appearance.

These are just a few that I heard about while watching program on Discovery Health, and I was surprised. My husband has suffered with chronic pain for the past eight years and agrees with a few, but not all. Would other sufferers of chronic pain agree with this profile outline?

If so, how in the world would a family member be able to help someone who fits most, or all, of this "profile"? How do we help them break this vicious cycle?