Pain and Mental Illness

by taylorevance@gmail.com | April 1, 2017 7:14 am

The Link Between Pain and Mental Illness

It is not unusual to have both chronic pain and a type of mental illness. These two things are often related, whether because of the other, or simply occurring at the same time. Take a look at how they may be linked in your situation.

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How Pain and Mental Illness Are Linked

Some people don’t realize that the reason they have pain and a mental illness is because they are so closely linked. Unfortunately, it works both ways as well. If you start with chronic pain, you may eventually notice that your stress is higher and you suddenly have more panic attacks or you have worsening depression. This is often from the effect that chronic pain has on your mental state. At the same time, if your chronic pain is getting worse and you already have anxiety or depression, those mental illnesses could be making it seem like your pain is worse, even though it is your brain’s response to the pain you feel. This is tricky to get caught up in, but luckily there is help available for you.

Signs Your Pain is Causing Your Mental Illness

You may also be wondering how you know there is a link between pain and mental illness. In short, you may never know if the link is there, or you simply have chronic pain and a mental illness simultaneously. However, if one did not start until the other did, there is a good chance they are connected. The good news is that if you resolve one, it might help resolve the other. However, if you get a handle on your chronic pain, yet your anxiety or depression is still the same, you will need to get treatment for your mental illness as well.

What You Can Do About It

The best thing to do is see a doctor to get both treated. Physical and mental illnesses should be treated equally, both just as important as each other. Don’t put off getting help for mental health conditions because you don’t think they are as serious. These can affect your life just as much as physical pain and need to be treated as soon as possible.

Some of the natural health remedies for chronic pain often help mental health as well, from using essential oils like lavender and chamomile, to changing your diet and exercising more. Massage, acupuncture, and aromatherapy can also help with anxiety, stress, and even depression.

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