Medical Difficulties and Mental Health

I recently went through some medical problems, including two surgeries that resulted in spending a couple of months off of work and at home.  Prior to this I had never experienced any significant health concerns.  I had never broken a bone, I had never had surgery, and other than a handful of days as a child due to pneumonia, I had never been in a hospital.  I was exercising, was eating healthy most of the time, and was mentally in a good space.  I felt prepared for what I was to encounter and assumed that it would be a quick and easy recovery.  What I didn’t anticipate was the significance of the pain I would encounter, nor the complications that would make recovery a bit more difficult than stated by my physicians.  And while I knew that it would change things for me a bit physically, I didn’t realize the affect that those changes would have on my mental health during the process of healing. 

A study published in 2017 in the American Psychiatric Association shows that ‘people living with chronic pain are at heightened risk for mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Chronic pain can affect sleep, increase stress levels and contribute to depression. An estimated 35% to 45% of people with chronic pain experience depression.’  In addition to anxiety and depression some other effects of pain and frustrations and results of increased medical care are change in personality, agitation or episodes of anger, withdrawal and isolation from others, poor self-care, and feelings of hopelessness or being overwhelmed.

While physicians are versed in the medical side of things, there is a lack of understanding and education at times for the patient when it comes to mental health and medical comorbidities.  It’s important that the individual monitor for symptoms, talk to someone they trust, and seek help as needed if symptoms persist.  In my individual case I was able to work through feelings by allowing myself time to heal, improving eating habits, reaching out to others as needed, and when I was medically cleared, exercising and spending time outside of my home.  Other interventions might be beneficial if medical conditions are affecting mental health, including communication with your physician or primary care provider and seeking mental health treatment.  The correlation between mental and physical health is significant and at times treatment for both are required to allow us to move forward and heal in effective ways.   

Megann Wilkerson, LMSW