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Chronic Pain &
Mental Health

Chronic pain can have a significant impact on a person's mental health. People who suffer from chronic pain often experience anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, and decreased quality of life. For our newsletter this month, we talk about the connection between chronic pain & mental health.

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Health Canada reports that nearly 8 million Canadians live with chronic pain. If you are reading this you might be one of those 8 million or know one of them. Chronic pain is pain that lasts longer than three months.

 
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By the Numbers

 

  • Chronic pain is the No. 1 cause of disability and disease burden globally. (Source)

  • It is estimated that between 2% and 40% of the adult population suffers from some type of chronic pain around the world. (Source) 

  • An estimated 35% to 45% of people with chronic pain experience depression. (Source)

  • Research using functional imaging suggests that mental health disorders and chronic pain share biological mechanisms, which contributes to the interconnection. (Source)

  • People with chronic pain are three times more likely to develop depression and anxiety than those without chronic pain. (Source)

What are the Symptoms of Chronic Pain?

 

Common symptoms of chronic pain include:

  • Mild to very bad pain that does not go away as expected.

  • Pain that is shooting, burning, aching, or electrical.

  • Soreness, tightness, or stiffness.

How does Chronic Pain Affect Mental Health?

 

As we already mentioned, chronic pain can have a noticeable impact on mental health. Constant physical discomfort can lead to feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, and decreased self-esteem. Pain can also make it difficult to concentrate, leading to memory problems and difficulty with problem-solving. Chronic pain can make even the smallest task seem like mountains to climb.

 

On top of that, the physical limitations caused by chronic pain can lead to social isolation and loneliness, which can further exacerbate feelings of depression and anxiety. Pain-related stress can also cause changes in hormone levels, which can have a negative impact on mood. 

 

It's important to note that chronic pain and mental health conditions can have a reciprocal relationship, as the presence of one can exacerbate the symptoms of the other. That being said, it's important for individuals who suffer from chronic pain to receive comprehensive care that addresses both their physical and mental health needs. Treatment for chronic pain often involves a combination of pain management techniques, physical therapy, and psychological support.

 

The trained therapists at HML Wellness can help provide psychological support for chronic pain. Contact us for a free consultation to find out more.

APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE:
Virtual Therapy Sessions

 

Virtual therapy is a modality that we use to provide all the regular mental health treatments, like CBT, talk therapy and more.

 

Some of the benefits of Virtual Therapy are…

 

  • It can be accessed from the privacy of your home or office

  • You can avoid an additional commute

  • You can access it from remote communities 

  • You can access it while on vacation or on a business trip

  • You can access it if a personal disability makes it difficult for you to come into the office

  • It is an evidence-based therapy modality

  • You just need a phone and/or internet connection

 

Contact us for more information on how virtual therapy can help you today.

 

Book An Appointment

Pain Support and Wellness Groups

 

PainBC offers BC residents a free support and wellness group for BC residents that are experiencing chronic pain.

 

Pain Support and Wellness Groups offer an opportunity for people living with persistent pain to meet regularly and build a community of support while learning about pain, pain management and coping strategies. Groups are free to access and meet online twice a month. Each two-hour session will allow you to share your experiences, discuss self-management skills and take part in gentle movements as a group.

 

Find out more here.

 

1652 Ogilvie Street South, Prince George, BC, Canada
672-983-1483

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