Understanding how chronic conditions impact our mental health
Do you ever feel like your mind and body are in a loop of discomfort and distress? It’s a reality that many people navigate every day, yet its impact on how you feel, and your quality of life, is often underestimated.
The link between chronic pain and mental health is not always apparent at first glance. You may not realize that your headaches and back pain are symptoms of depression or anxiety, and similarly you may not realize that your chronic pain is leading to feelings of hopelessness and frustration.
Adding to that, people with mental distress have been shown to experience more severe and long-lasting pain than others. This can result in a cycle where chronic pain feels worse and more pronounced, and depressive bouts feel deeper and harder to manage.
Discomfort from health conditions like back pain, nerve pain, cancers, heart issues, irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia and other conditions, can cause a number of problems that contribute to higher levels of pain — such as not being able to fall or stay asleep, increased stress levels, and difficulty concentrating.
If you find yourself in a loop of physical pain and stress/depression, there is hope.
Evidence has shown that treating depression and anxiety can often lead to a significant reduction in
chronic pain.
Here are five ways to treat both chronic pain and mental distress.
Talk therapy
Talking with a counselor or other mental health professional can be effective in treating both chronic pain and depression/anxiety. A technique called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps people develop coping strategies, challenge negative thought patterns, and improve emotional regulation, which can enhance resilience in the face of chronic pain.
Medications
Judicious use of medications, including pain relievers, antidepressants, and anti-anxiety medications, under the guidance of a health professional, may relieve both pain and depression because of shared chemical messengers in the brain. Talk to your doctor about what is right for you.
Stress-reduction techniques
Incorporating physical activity, exercise, meditation, journaling, healthy dietary habits, learned coping skills and other strategies can complement medical interventions and promote holistic well-being.
Chronic pain management programs
WellRight Coaching and Premera Personal Health Support are two programs available to you that provide a team approach to treatment, both medical and psychiatric, while connecting you to resources and support.
Support groups & peer counseling
Connecting with others facing similar challenges can provide invaluable support, validation, and coping strategies.
To get symptoms of pain and depression under control, you may need to work with your medical team to treat both conditions. Talk to your doctors about what might be right for you.
To make sure you have the support you need — in a form that best suits you — many programs and services are offered as part of PPO Plan benefits. All programs are confidential and offered at no cost to you. Learn More.