Living with pain can be debilitating at times. Pain is produced by the brain. The way it’s processed overlaps with emotions and when the body is in pain, it releases stress hormones and neurochemicals, making it harder to regulate mood and behavior.
But how does it affect one's mental health? Acute pain can
cause emotional distress and anxiety, having a negative impact on the quality
of life. When acute pain is not treated effectively, it can lead to chronic pain. Chronic pain
can lead to depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Chronic pain can
also affect sleep, increase stress, and limit the ability to enjoy life. This
leads to feelings of isolation and frustration, leading to depression.
Without the ability to get pain under control, a person’s quality of life is greatly diminished and their mental health can be greatly affected. Psychotherapy and medication can help. There is always hope.
Valerie P’Pool, LCSW
No comments:
Post a Comment