Millions of people in the United States have experienced chronic pain and it can have a major impact on your psyche. While you are dealing with chronic pain, it is also important to pay attention to your mental health to assure that you stay healthy in every way.
Pain and your mood are closely related, which is why chronic pain can have a number of psychological effects, including:
Psychological Effects on Your Mood
It can be difficult to be in a good mood when you are going through chronic pain. When you are in pain, it can lead to feelings of depression or anxiety. Those feelings of depression can also lead to your pain getting worse, which can increase your depression all over again.
The psychological effects of chronic pain can cause bouts of anxiety or depression, but it can also lead to long-term clinical depression, which can really impact your quality of life.
Psychological Effects on Your Quality of Life
When you get into that sort of cycle from pain to depression and back, it can end up having an impact on your entire quality of life. It may be difficult to have a positive quality of life when you are facing an increased amount of pain and emotional distress.
Another way that chronic pain can impact your quality of life is by making it difficult for you to do your usual daily activities. When you are in constant pain, it could make it hard for you to go to work, spend time with friends and enjoy your life.
If chronic pain leaves you unable to work, it can make your anxiety or depression feel worse and make you feel stressed out about money. Your quality of life can suffer under these conditions, which is why it is important to get help.
Some of the other ways that chronic pain can impact your quality of life include:
- Changes in mood including anger, fear, confusion and irritability
- Anxiety and stress
- Self-esteem issues
- Decreased interest in sex
- Changes in weight
- Sleep issues and feelings of fatigue
If chronic pain is making you depressed or negatively impacting your way of life, take steps to get treatment as soon as you can.
Getting Help with the Psychological Effects of Living with Pain
Your mental health is very important for your overall well being and quality of life. Chronic pain can be debilitating in a number of ways, from the physical side of the pain to the draining emotional side of the pain.
If you or a family member are suffering through chronic pain and the psychological effects of it, professional help can make a major difference.
Pain management specialists can help you figure out a treatment plan that improves the physical and mental sides of chronic pain. A psychologist may be able to help you through it as well, as therapy can be beneficial for pain management.
With the link between pain and depression, your psychological wellness may need help if you are experiencing chronic pain. Talk to your pain management team and figure out a total wellness plan to feel better.