It doesn’t take a medical expert to guess that chronic pain can lead to feelings of despair and despondency. But when doctors speak about depression, they’re referring to the serious psychological condition known as clinical depression or major depression, in which people feel sad, “low”, demoralized, or without hope and energy for two weeks or more. Chronic Pain is a normal part of a healthy nervous system, a process by which our bodies alert us that something is wrong. Chronic pain, on the other hand, is when a person feels regular bouts of pain that last six months or more. Some forms of chronic pain are continuous, in which the pain is felt all day long, while other people suffering from chronic pain experience episodes of intense or excruciating pain that may come and go.
There are dozens of causes of chronic pain, which include:
- Headaches
- Migraines
- Arthritis
- Back injuries
- Tendonitis/joint pain
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Old injuries or scars
- Fibromyalgia and other neurological disorders
Major/Clinical Depression
Medical researchers estimate that about one-fifth of all adults in the United States have experienced major depression in their lives. Clinical depression is a serious illness, and anyone who suspects that they are suffering from major depression should seek medical advice right away.
While major depression is seemingly easy to self-diagnose, it is important that a professional examination be conducted to rule out other issues, and to chart a course towards treatment and health.
Left untreated, clinical depression can lead to:
- Irritability/anger/constant “short fuse”
- Alcohol abuse
- Abuse of other substances, including illegal narcotics and pharmaceutical medicines
- Loss of job or placement in school
- Breaking off ties with family, friends, and loved ones
- Violence, including homicide
- Suicide
Treatment Options
Although there is no magic bullet “cure” for chronic pain or major depression, health sciences have made a number of recent breakthroughs that can help sufferers get relief.
As with all serious illnesses and conditions, only a medical professional can diagnose and design a course of treatment for someone suffering from chronic pain and depression. Here are a few options that people are using to reduce or eliminate the pain and suffering that accompanies chronic pain and depression:
- Psychological counseling and therapy
- Exercise
- Light therapy
- Pharmaceutical medications
- Dietary supplements
- Anger management counseling
- Building a support network of friends, fellow sufferers, and healthcare professionals
- Guided sessions with a member of the clergy
- Learning to eat healthier
- Physical and occupational therapy
- Sleeping enough – and learning how to obtain a refreshing night’s sleep
- Meditation
- Educating yourself on your condition
- Going on vacation
- Volunteering
- Keeping a positive attitude
- Losing unnecessary weight
- Helping other people and the community at large
- Adopting and/or spending time with an animal
- Removing sources of stress from your life
- Getting treatment for alcohol/drug abuse and becoming abstinent from other addictive substances and/or behaviors
The good news is that no one has to suffer alone from chronic pain and depression, as help is out there.