Back Pain and Depression
If you are experiencing chronic pain, please be aware that this can lead to depression, feelings of prolonged stress, anxiety, and several other emotional health related symptoms. Signs of depression arise differently in all of us. Sleep disturbances, feelings of hopelessness, isolation, ongoing discomfort are all quite common. Pain can alter personality, disrupt sleep, and interfere with relationships as time goes along. Talking to a physician about depression can alert them to both conditions in consideration of an appropriate treatment plan.
Here are some steps you can take to address symptoms of depression that may arise in addition to consulting a physician:
Therapy. Therapy provides a nondrug method by reducing levels of stress that could aggravate pain. Therapy can also improve consequences of pain by helping cope with the other problems that is associated with pain. It helps patients develop the skills to manage difficult problems.
Be proactive. Prevention is the best medicine. Don’t assume one is immune to depression.
Schedule self-care. One might look closely at their calendar and make time as we would for any other obligation. Self-care ranges widely. Go for a walk, read a book, call a friend, take a nap or just binge that show you have been wanting to watch!
Little things count. Make a got done list in lieu of a to-do list. Small but valuable recognition of what did get done despite experiencing chronic back pain.
Make your health a priority. Do not set unrealistic goals during a time of duress. This is not the time to add more obligations to one’s plate. Try simply just getting enough quality sleep, choosing healthier options when available, moving your body daily even just for a little bit. Regular exercise can help curb feelings of stress and depression.
Reach out for help. If you feel overwhelmed and are experiencing depression, counseling or personal coaching may make a difference. When we lose our balance and can’t find our way out sometimes seeking support from a professional is the best option. Here are some great resources to consider:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a United States-based suicide prevention network of over 160 crisis centers that provides 24/7 service via a toll-free hotline with the number 1-800-273-8255.
https://www.nami.org/help
https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
SAMHSA’s National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
https://www.crisistextline.org/
TEXT HOME TO 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor for free
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7602766/
https://macmh.org/event-page/finding-wellbeing-in-the-new-normal/
Because we’re in this together, you are not alone. Please reach out for help if you feel you need it.