Are you aware of the connection between physical pain and depression? It’s important to understand the link, and how it affects your body and mind. This can help you with treatment and therapy. Let’s closely examine the depression and pain dilemma.
- Understand the depression and physical pain cycle. Health experts believe depression and pain appear to share a cycle, which makes it difficult to see where one issue starts and ends. There is overlap between depression and pain.
- As your depression gets worse or better, physical pain may get worse or better in sync. The two are interlinked in a complex way that makes it harder to treat. Pain can also make depression more difficult. If you’re not able to work, or do the activities you enjoy because of pain, it can lead to feelings of isolation, and increased feelings of worthlessness.
- Consider inflammation. Recent research points to the role of inflammation in both depression and pain. The higher the level, the more likely it will make depression worse, and pain levels can increase.
Fighting Back Against Depression and Pain
Using these strategies may alleviate your symptoms:
- Seek help for your depression. You may benefit from therapy or medications, specifically designed to manage depression.
- Get help for your physical pain. You may have to make multiple doctors’ appointments to get to the root cause of the pain. But you want to ensure that whatever is causing your pain, is also being treated.
- Stay active. It’s easy to allow depression and pain to take over your world and hide. However, it’s crucial that you exercise and stay involved.
- Lean on your support network. Whether it’s your friends, family, or coworkers, you need people in your life who understand you, and can help during a time of need.
- Find something that you love. Experts point out that pursuing a hobby, or activity that you enjoy, can help bring you out of the cycle of depression and pain.
- Find something that brings you joy on a daily basis. This can range from cooking your favorite meals to dancing at a popular club. Try to find joy in smaller activities such as talking to a friend, reading a book, or writing down your thoughts. The key is to focus on positive activities that uplift, and help you forget the pain.
- Learn to speak positively to yourself. Positive self-talk has been shown to reduce both depression and pain.
- Many athletes talk through the pain to finish a competition. You can use this technique to help manage your pain and depression. It’s important to focus on positive aspects of your life and personality. Avoid berating yourself over mistakes. Shift your focus away from negative ideas, habits, or suggestions. The more you practice positive self-talk, the better you get at it, and the greater influence you’ll have on your results.
Depression and physical pain are linked together. It’s not easy to see where one starts and the other ends. Nevertheless, you can take action to alleviate both. Try these techniques to make a positive difference in your life. As always, consult your medical and mental health provider to discuss your unique circumstances.
To Your Success,
Juan
Chindeepinlife 