The Psychology of Chronic Pain

It is one thing to talk about living with chronic pain, and it’s another to actually live with it.  Psychologically, the impact of chronic pain can be extremely detrimental. The experience of dealing with chronic pain can wear you down with negative emotions and feelings.  It’s very important for pain patients to seek counseling if they feel like the pain is taking them down a road to depression.  Depression is a very real danger for people dealing with chronic pain.  The frustration and aggravation of living daily life can be overwhelming, and it’s important for patients to seek help as soon as possible.

Chronic pain can sometimes be hard to understand for people who haven’t experienced it firsthand, and this lack of empathy can be a burden for those who are suffering.  You can feel misunderstood or maligned by others, and that can lead to depression and self-doubt.   You should try to surround yourself with others who are sympathetic to your condition, and you should also confide in your physicians if you ever feel like you should seek psychological help.

Chronic pain is not just a physical ailment.  It can wreak havoc with your emotions and your state of mind. When you are undergoing treatment and therapy, you should always pay attention to the emotional side and look for the warning signs.  You can never be too careful, and you should never be afraid to speak up when you feel like you’re being overwhelmed by the stress of chronic pain.

It’s also important to remember that attitude can play a big part in your recovery.  While it is easy to get bogged down in the negative, having a positive attitude about your treatment can go a long way in managing your chronic pain. The patients who approach their treatment with optimism usually have a much better and quicker recovery period, and they usually have a much better quality of life along the way. Try to stay positive, and realize that a good attitude can be the key to defeating chronic pain.

 

http://www.webmd.com/pain-management/chronic-pain-11/causes-pain

http://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/depression-chronic-pain

http://www.spine-health.com/conditions/depression/4-tips-help-cope-chronic-pain-and-depression

This blog is written for informational purposes only and should not be a substitute for actual medical treatment. Please contact the APM Augusta office to schedule an appointment if you are in need of medical care.