Chronic pain is an all too common problem without a standard solution. It is a complex issue that affects everyday Australians, with one in 5 Australians aged over 45 living with ongoing chronic pain.
While people first think of pain as a physical feeling, it is really much more than that. The effects of pain around the body can also extend to psychological and emotional states of being. In the case of chronic pain, people often feel sad, anxious, or angry as a result of experiencing chronic pain.
When chronic pain becomes too much, medical treatments such as physical therapy, medication, or rehabilitation can be effective in relieving chronic pain. However, psychological treatment too, plays a vital role in chronic pain management.
By working with a psychologist, you can begin to understand how your thoughts and emotions play a role in the overall discomfort of chronic pain. This understanding of the emotional weight of your chronic pain can help you manage it more effectively, and in some cases reduce the intensity of your pain.
The Psychological Effects of Chronic Pain
For those experiencing chronic pain, the mental and psychological stress can be just as severe as the physical pain. As pain impacts your mood at the molecular level, chronic pain can lead to intense emotional stress. Over time, this stress can affect brain function and your behaviour.
It’s easy to see how this stress can affect the quality of day-to-day life. The emotional stress of chronic pain can affect your performance at work or participation in social settings. In turn, this can affect your overall self-esteem and lead to negative changes in your lifestyle that further affect your mood.
As such, it’s important to understand that experiencing mood changes, emotional instability, or depression are common repercussions of chronic pain. This is where a psychologist can step in, guiding you through the complex emotional intricacies of experiencing chronic pain.
What is the role of psychology in pain management?
Psychologists play an important role in managing chronic pain. They are professionally trained to assist people with the diverse set of emotions, thoughts, and feelings that accompany chronic pain. In order to treat chronic pain holistically, psychologists will often work alongside other medical professionals to ensure both your physical and emotional needs are addressed.
As chronic pain can affect people in many different ways, a psychologist will begin by understanding your chronic pain’s intricacies. This process could involve asking questions about the pain you are experiencing, where it occurs, and what you think affects it. To understand the emotional aspects of your chronic pain, a psychologist will also ask about any concerns or stress you are experiencing.
This process will allow your psychologist to understand the broad spectrum of factors that affect your chronic pain. In doing so, your psychologist will develop a tailored treatment plan that aims to alleviate your pain and accompanying emotional stress. These plans often involve building new coping skills, changing perceptions around pain, and working through any anxiety or depression concerns.
A psychologist will also help you adjust your overall lifestyle to manage your chronic pain. For instance, a psychologist might offer advice on how to cope with emotional stress while in work or social settings.
Managing Chronic Pain
Everyday habits and activities can go a long way in helping you manage pain, so consider these steps to help yourself day-to-day:
- Keeping active: Living an active lifestyle with low-impact activities such as yoga, walking, and swimming can help your body manage pain.
- Staying social: Research shows that people with more social support often experience less stress and anxiety. Catching up with an old friend or calling a loved one can go a long way in benefitting your mental state.
- Find your relaxation zone: A hobby or activity that makes you feel relaxed is a great way of alleviating stress and pain. This could include watching a movie, playing a game or even going for a walk.
What to Do If Chronic Pain Gets Too Difficult?
Chronic pain is a complex and serious issue with a long recovery process. Contact the team at Brisbane Counselling Centre today for information about how a psychologist can help you to manage it. We look forward to hearing from you.