Best Herbal Alternatives For Managing Chronic Pain

The complex sensation of pain can significantly negatively affect one’s social, emotional, and physical health. Sadly, for the majority of individuals, it’s just an unavoidable aspect of life that results from a variety of conditions, such as diseases, trauma, inflammatory disorders, nerve injury, and psychological issues. It can also cause back pain, nerve pain, neurological pain, transferred pain, and chronic pain are among the pain types that call for specialized methods for efficient management and treatment.

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Medications or other treatments are often used in conventional pain management techniques. Although they provide immediate relief, these can occasionally have severe adverse effects or increase the chance of developing an addictive behavior. It’s important to understand that while a lot of individuals depend on their prescriptions, there is a chance that they will be misused or have negative interactions with other drugs.

Due to these dangers, an increasing number of individuals are using natural pain relief options that not only relieve symptoms but also emphasize holistic health and an awareness of the body’s reaction to discomfort or chronic pain. Herbal treatments and mind-body therapies are examples of natural pain relief, and these approaches provide a range of choices that may be used in combination with conventional methods to enable people to actively manage severe pain issues.

Yes, you have other options besides taking medicine to relieve your discomfort. The next time you find yourself in excruciating agony, try an herbal alternative first. Several natural pain relievers can provide some of the necessary relief, even when a prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) painkiller may be necessary. There is a long history of using a variety of medicinal plants and spices to reduce pain and inflammation.

Natural Pain Reliever

Natural pain remedies are included in the area of alternative medicine, along with acupressure or acupuncture, meditation or yoga, the practice of reiki, and other natural therapies. While there may be many advantages to reducing pain and inflammation organically, be aware that sometimes these methods may conflict with other prescriptions you are taking.

Before purchasing any natural remedies, it’s advisable to consult a medical professional if you’re experiencing persistent or chronic pain. If you’re looking for alternate pain relief options, integrative medicine practitioners or physicians with backgrounds in more natural therapies might be a fantastic option. Before incorporating any kind of herbal supplement into your regimen, it’s also crucial to speak with a licensed healthcare provider, particularly if you have any preexisting medical concerns. Without further ado, here are some of the herbal medicines you can consider to relieve chronic pain

Boswellia

Ayurveda medicine frequently makes use of Boswellia, popularly known as frankincense. The material commonly made into tinctures, tablets, or topical therapies is the sap from Boswellia serrata trees. In Ayurveda, Boswellia is commonly used to treat the healing of wounds and skin conditions such as acne, coughs, sores, arthritic conditions, and ulcerative colitis. It is also offered in supplementary forms for joint health support. The inhibitor of 5-lipoxygenase, Boswellic acid is the bioactive component of Boswellia. Some of the compounds found in Boswellia serrata may have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting effects, which is good for chronic pain relief. Boswellia serrata extracts have been used orally for medicinal reasons in the form of bark, sap, and other parts of the plant.

Willow Bark

It has been utilized as a pain reliever for centuries. That is due to salicin, also known as acetylsalicylic acid, a substance found in white willow bark resembling aspirin. It is believed that salicin and the plant’s potent anti-inflammatory flavonoids give the herb its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving qualities. Aside from that, the Willow bark is sometimes used as a substitute for aspirin, especially by persons who suffer from back pain or chronic headaches. It appears that swallowing willow bark lessens lower back pain. The herbal medicine can take seven days to start working, and higher doses appear beneficial compared to lesser amounts. It may be safe to use willow bark for 12 weeks. On the other hand, some people may have vomiting, heartburn, and diarrhea from it. Additionally, it can result in rash, itching, and hypersensitive or allergic responses, especially in aspirin-allergic individuals.

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Turmeric

There are bioactive substances in turmeric that have therapeutic qualities. It is an extremely potent enzyme and has potent anti-inflammatory qualities. It is a naturally occurring anti-inflammatory chemical that contains a bioactive substance that helps to combat inflammation, but very large dosages are needed to have a therapeutic effect. Free radicals are very reactive molecules with unattached electrons involved in turmeric’s ability to boost the body’s antioxidant defenses. It may also reduce your risk of heart disease and increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Despite being widely accepted as harmless, there have been several reported negative effects of turmeric, some of which consist of rashes, nausea, headaches, constipation, and yellow stools. Consult a physician before using dietary supplements containing turmeric. Should you encounter any unfavorable side effects, discontinue taking them.

Ginger

In addition to improving digestion, ginger can additionally reduce nausea and vomiting. Ginger root contains nutrients and antioxidants that may be used to cure or prevent infections, inflammatory conditions, and arthritic conditions. On top of that, ginger may lower the likelihood of developing cancer, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses. Despite being a mainstay of Asian cooking, ginger root is also useful in treating joint inflammation, osteoarthritis, and swelling. Research has demonstrated that ginger helps lessen excruciating post-workout muscle soreness and pain. It can have some beneficial advantages in lowering chronic pain and impairment and the activity of numerous chemicals that cause joint inflammation. Ginger root, tea, and supplements are just a few of the ways that it can be taken.

Devil’s Claw

Devil’s Claw has compounds that may help reduce swelling. It is, therefore, frequently used to treat certain illnesses that entail both inflammation and chronic pain. Devil’s Claw is often prescribed to treat osteoarthritis and back pain. It has been used in studies to treat back pain and osteoarthritis at 600–2,610 milligrams daily doses. This usually equates to 50–100 mg of harpagoside per day, depending on its extract’s concentration. Generally speaking, using Devil’s Claw for any length of time seems to be safe. However, nausea and diarrhea are a couple of frequent adverse effects. In some unfortunate cases, it can cause vomiting, headaches, and stomach pain. When taking Devil’s Claw, individuals may be more susceptible to negative side effects if they have medical conditions such as gout, diabetes, peptic ulcers, high blood pressure, or are pregnant or nursing.

Additional Tips For Relieving Chronic Pain

Many individuals worldwide suffer from chronic pain, which drastically lowers their quality of life. Their severe health issues can cause sleep disruptions, anxiety, and depression. When taking Devil’s Claw, individuals may be more susceptible to negative side effects if they have medical conditions. Thus, concerns over pharmaceutical side effects and the addictive qualities of some pharmaceuticals have led to a rise in the popularity of natural therapies. Consequently, these are a few more holistic options for reducing chronic pain.

Physical Exercise: Frequent exercise is a good way to reduce chronic pain naturally. It aids in increasing energy, lowering inflammatory conditions, increasing flexibility, and releasing endorphins or the body’s natural analgesics. Because they don’t overstress the joints, low-impact workouts like yoga, strolling, and swimming are especially beneficial for those with chronic pain. Physical activity helps manage persistent discomfort by improving muscle endurance and mobility, decreasing fatigue, and lowering pain levels and inflammatory responses.

Water Exercise: For treating chronic pain, particularly joint pain from arthritis, moderate swimming or pool workouts can be helpful. Certain exercises in the water may be the only physical activity allowed when arthritis pain is so severe. Swimming and other water exercises increase the expansion of the spinal column and limbs, relieving uncomfortable pressure on joints since they are less affected by gravity. This is because the water supports the body, and the buoyancy of the water’s surface reduces strain on all of the body’s joints. Also another way to enjoy the water is to take a warm bath with Epsom salts, as this can help reduce the discomfort of arthritis.

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Massage Therapy: It is a remarkable all-natural painkiller for chronic pain. It releases endorphins, improves blood flow, and relaxes tense muscles. Research has demonstrated the potential benefit of massage therapy treatment in the management of chronic pain brought on by diseases, including arthritis, fibromyalgia, and lower back pain. A massage helps individuals by enhancing the quality of their sleep and aiding their lower back discomfort or persistent tension headaches. Massage stimulates the big-diameter nerve cells in the human body, which helps break the cycle of pain.

Meditation: Meditation is one technique to manage thoughts and divert them away from a stressful stimulus, like pain. Incorporating the practice of meditation into a natural pain management approach will help retrain the mind to concentrate on calming experiences, which will divert one’s attention away from pain. Frequent meditation can assist with regulating pain because it alters the structure of the brain. Thus, even for pain that is produced externally, research has demonstrated that individuals who meditate often have larger pain thresholds than those who do not.

Essential oils: Aromatherapy has some potential for alleviating chronic pain symptoms. The concentrated liquids or substances taken from flowers and plants are called essential oils. These oils offer a mild and efficient remedy since they include analgesic and anti-inflammatory substances. For persistent pain, some essential oils to try include ginger, lemongrass, wintergreen plant, marjoram, lavender, or peppermint. One can feel the calming comfort after rubbing these essential oils in the hands and then massaging them into the problematic spot of the body that causes chronic pain.

Acupuncture: It is a traditional Chinese medicine that includes inserting tiny sterilized needles into certain body spots. It has been used for hundreds of years for different types of physical ailments and specifically for chronic pain management. In recent years, Western nations have seen an increase in its use. According to studies, acupuncture is a useful treatment for certain chronic conditions like osteoarthritis, back pain, and neck discomfort. It functions by inducing the body’s pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory processes.

 

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The Types Of Therapy For Chronic Pain

Millions of people across the globe suffer from chronic pain, which is a major problem. If you fall into that category, you know how challenging it may be to find ways to alleviate pain. There are numerous approaches to treating chronic pain, but which is best for you? We will talk about effective chronic pain therapies.

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The brain undergoes significant alterations as a result of chronic pain. Therefore, research has shown that the consequences of chronic pain are frequently linked to increased associated symptoms of anxiety and depression. Moreover, persistent pain can result in persistent stress, which might hinder the body’s capacity to recover and encourage a new sensation of discomfort. The effects that chronic pain may leave on both the mind and the body have made it possible to offer more treatment choices, like mental health treatment.

You are not the only one experiencing chronic pain. The CDC estimates that millions of people have high-impact chronic pain types. These include the pain that persists for longer than three months. Numerous diseases, such as fibromyalgia, cancer, arthritis, and nerve damage, can be the cause of the severe condition. Your quality of life may suffer, and daily tasks may become more difficult to complete if you have chronic pain.

For the treatment of chronic pain, there are numerous psychosocial approaches available that don’t involve taking prescription drugs or medication. This is encouraging news because 100 million Individuals suffer from chronic pain, and there is a heroin and prescription opioid epidemic in the United States alone.

Here are some of the therapy treatments you can consider.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

Talk therapy in the form of cognitive behavioral therapy can assist people in recognizing and acquiring the necessary skills to modify unfavorable beliefs and actions. According to CBT experts, people make their own experiences, including pain, instead of relying on external circumstances and occurrences. Even though the actual amount of discomfort or pain doesn’t vary, individuals can improve their coping mechanisms and shift their experience of pain by altering their negative beliefs and actions.

CBT teaches individuals to question negative beliefs and develop new thought patterns that support lower levels of fear, stress, hopelessness, and pain. This helps battle adverse emotions that contribute to higher levels of anxiety and depressive disorders. It alters how these individuals perceive your struggle and suffering.

CBT is most frequently utilized alongside additional pain management techniques to address chronic pain. These treatments could involve prescription drugs, physical therapy, massage, weight loss, or, in the worst situations, surgery. But among these different approaches to pain management, CBT is frequently the most successful.

Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT)

A type of cognitive behavioral therapy known as compassion-focused therapy (CFT) treatment encourages an individual to accept their sorrow and react to it by employing compassion-related coping mechanisms that they have acquired. Compassion-focused therapy approaches have been demonstrated to enhance self-compassion, anxiety-related disorders, and mood, bringing about increased kindness to oneself. It also lessens pain and enables more sustained engagement in meaningful activities when combined with other pain management procedures.

A relatively new type of psychotherapy called compassion-focused therapy (CFT) was created for individuals with mental health issues that are predominantly associated with high levels of shame or guilt, self-pity or self-criticism, and poor self-worth. Although anybody can benefit from compassion-oriented treatment, certain populations are particularly well-suited for this type of care.

Individuals today who receive a diagnosis of mental health issues should find CFT extremely useful as it focuses on reducing symptoms of psychological problems like depression or anxiety. It also contributes greatly to raising mindfulness and reducing negative emotions like guilt and compulsive self-reflection.

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Mindfulness-Based Therapy

Stress-reduction strategies based on mindfulness can improve your ability to cope, lower your emotional and mental distress, and lessen your discomfort. One way to alleviate chronic pain with mindfulness is to view the pain differently. The brain’s response to the severe condition involves linking the pain to judgment, which involves thinking negatively about the suffering and concentrating on how much you want the agony to stop.

Based on the idea that mindfulness and meditation may lessen the experience of pain, it is also believed that the approach is meant to be one component of a comprehensive pain management program. It helps by soothing the emotional, physical, and neurological systems and allowing these fundamentals to revert to a state of balance,

In addition to performing breathing techniques and participating in a visualized body scan, which is a guided imagery technique meant to teach the mind to be present with every component of the human body. Mindfulness approaches pain with apathy since negative thought patterns can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and stress.

Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)

The main goal of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is to help individuals who are experiencing persistent pain to develop a consistent, adaptable, and values-driven pattern of behavior while they are in contact with their pain and discomfort. This is especially important when trying to manage or alleviate pain.

The main ideas of ACT include living a life that is consistent with values and accepting the things that one cannot change. With Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, the professional therapist will lead individuals through guiding principles. These include being in the present, maintaining a balanced perspective on thoughts and feelings, and identifying values and objectives. Along with these suggestions, the process also promotes committing to one’s beliefs and objectives, acknowledging that ideas are not always true, and accepting discomfort as a necessary component of personality transformation.

ACT is a contemporary form of mindfulness-based therapy. Instead of attempting to alter thoughts and feelings, it assists in accepting these factors. Put another way, having the ability to acknowledge the aspects of life beyond one’s control while committing to enhancing and enriching one’s own life. This method imparts psychological techniques for controlling unpleasant emotions and ideas.

Integrative Therapy

Numerous psychological illnesses, such as anxiety, stress, depression, grief, personality disorders, low self-confidence, self-harming behavior, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, relationship problems, sleep troubles, sexual dysfunction, addiction to substances, and eating disorders, can be treated with an integrative approach.

While using medications to manage chronic pain is popular, integrative medicine techniques, including therapeutic massage, osteopath and chiropractic adjustments, acupuncture, and yoga, have also demonstrated significant benefits. Integrative pain management places more of an emphasis on healthy lifestyle choices that tackle the psychological aspects of chronic pain and social functioning than it does on painkillers.

Psychotherapy integration is another term for integrative treatment. Choosing the methods from several therapeutic approaches most appropriate for a client’s specific issue is the foundation of the integrative therapy process. Integrative therapists seek to fulfill their client’s requirements, objectives, and situations by customizing therapy to each individual.

Additional Tips For Managing Chronic Pain

If you’re among the million individuals who experience chronic pain, several possibilities for treatment are successful in treating the condition holistically. These include psychological interventions, which can be used in place of prescription drugs and medications, given that each individual is different and no two treatment interventions are alike. Working with a customized treatment plan that addresses your needs is essential. Try some of the following strategies to lessen chronic discomfort.

Reduce Your Stress Level – Anger, stress, depressive symptoms, and worry can all increase a person’s sensitivity to pain. Discovering good coping mechanisms for stress, such as guided imagery, meditation, and music therapy, can lift your spirits, encourage relaxation, and make managing chronic pain easier.

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Exercise: Exercising releases endorphins, which are feel-good hormones that can also obstruct signals that indicate pain. Regular exercise can also help build muscle, lower the likelihood of heart disease, and maintain a normal body weight. It is vital to note that one must consult with a healthcare practitioner about the safest and most suitable activities before beginning an exercise regimen.

Take A Deep Breath: When pain flares up, chronic pain patients can retain and hold their breath or breathe quickly and shallowly. Deep breathing exercises alone can promote general wellness, reduce discomfort, and promote relaxation.

Massage Therapy: Massage is no longer viewed as a luxury; research has shown that it can help with discomfort in the hands, neck, knees, and back, among other places of the human body. Massage therapy promises to provide the mind and body the relaxation they deserve.

Reduce alcohol intake and give up smoking: Alcohol might further impair sleep quality, and pain can make it harder to get a good night’s rest. On the other hand, smoking increases the risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease, as well as making circulation issues worse. Therefore, quitting smoking and excessive alcohol drinking is essential for overall wellness.

Consume healthy food – Eating a diet rich in vegetables, whole grains, fruits, low-fat dairy goods, and lean meats may assist in making you feel better since they improve blood sugar regulation, aid digestion, and help you maintain a healthy weight. These positive impacts are necessary to get rid of chronic pain.

Follow your passion: Although pain is unavoidable, you can direct more of your mental and physical resources toward activities or hobbies that make you happy. These include landscaping, painting, or engaging in another recreational activity. When individuals treat their passion well, it can be a very pleasant way to decompress.

Final Thoughts

Even though these therapies vary from one another in the end, they all aim to improve your quality of life. It is essential to choose a therapist or medical professional who specializes in treating chronic pain. You must pick an expert who will encourage you and assist you in setting reasonable objectives, and that is to overcome the emotional difficulties that can accompany chronic pain. Consult a healthcare professional for recommendations as a starting point.

 

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Alternative Therapies For Pain

 

 

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The phrase ‘alternative therapy’ is commonly used to define a medical intervention or treatment that substitutes for traditional medicine. If alternative therapies are utilized to substitute or used alongside traditional medicine, they are known as complementary medicine.

Alternative therapy involves a range of disciplines, including chiropractic treatment, acupuncture, aromatherapy, massage, herbal therapy, relaxation, yoga, and hypnosis.

In the previous years, strong indications have been collected for the benefits of acupuncture, nutritional supplementation, and mind-body therapies for managing pain. Other supplemental therapies like massage, herbal treatment, therapeutic touch, dietary methods, and massage also likely alleviate pain in some conditions. More research is required to see how these treatments compare to traditional medicine.

Acupuncture

The World Health Organization presently acknowledges over 30 conditions that can benefit from acupuncture, but one of the primary indications is pain relief. Century-old Chinese medicine claims that disease originates from an imbalance of energy flow in a person’s body. With acupuncture, stainless and disposable steel needles activate the body’s major meridians to overcome or prevent conditions and diseases by altering these imbalances.

Acupuncture is also believed to reduce pain by increasing the surge of chemicals that help inhibit pain, chemicals known as endorphins. Several trigger points are close to nerves. When these are activated, these nerves produce a dull pain or fullness within the muscle. The activated muscle conveys a message to the brain and spinal cord, which results in the release of endorphins, along with many other neurotransmitters or chemicals in the body that change nerve impulses. They then prevent the pain message from being sent to the brain.

Acupuncture can be beneficial as an adjunct therapy for numerous pain-associated illnesses, including low back pain, headache, tennis elbow, osteoarthritis, myofascial pain syndrome, fibromyalgia, and carpal tunnel syndrome. Acupuncture may also be a suitable substitute or added as part of a thorough pain management plan.

Mind-Body Therapy

These therapies are meant to assist the mind’s capacity to impact the symptoms and functions of a person’s body. Mind-body therapies utilize different methods, including biofeedback, relaxation, guided imagery, hypnosis, and meditation. Relaxation strategies can help reduce discomfort associated with chronic pain.

Massage And Chiropractic Therapy

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Chiropractic treatment is among the most typical non-surgical interventions for back pain. There have been several reports of improvement from individuals who underwent chiropractic manipulations. Studies also showed that chiropractic treatment could benefit individuals with whiplash injuries, neck pain, headaches, and some leg and arm conditions. Severe complications, including pinched nerves, stroke, and aggravation of herniated discs, are seldom reported.

On the other hand, those who suffer from pain have also increasingly utilized massage, particularly chronic pain secondary to back and neck problems. Massage lowers stress levels and alleviates tension by improving blood flow. This intervention can also potentially decrease the presence of substances that may increase and tolerate pain.

Reiki Healing And Therapeutic Touch

Reiki healing and therapeutic touch are believed to aid in activating the self-healing process of a person and hence lessen pain. Both are considered energy-based and do not necessarily need real physical contact, but they do entail close physical interaction between patient and therapist. Over the years, numerous reviews assessed published clinical trials and studies on the effectiveness of these two healing methods to relieve anxiety and pain and enhance physical and mental health.

A few studies also showed these methods to be helpful and have no noteworthy adverse side effects, but the boundaries of some of these trials make it hard to make conclusive conclusions. More studies are required before evidence-based endorsements can be made.

Herbal Treatments

It has been challenging to make conclusions regarding the effectiveness of herb therapy. If you choose to utilize herbal remedies to improve your pain, it is crucial to share this matter with your primary physician. Some herbs might interact adversely with medicines you are taking for pain and other medical illnesses and may negatively affect your overall health.

Dietary Methods To Manage Pain

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Some individuals think that modifying their dietary fat consumption or eating plant foods loaded with inflammatory agents can assist in relieving pain by curbing inflammation. A raw vegetarian diet was beneficial for some individuals with fibromyalgia, although this study was not done randomly and without an existing control group. A study of females with premenstrual indications showed that a vegetarian plus low-fat diet helped significantly decrease pain frequency and severity. Weight loss was seen in individuals who did a combination of exercise and dietary changes, as well as reports of decreased pain from people who had osteoarthritis.

Nevertheless, more research is required to establish the effectiveness of lifestyle and dietary changes as part of the pain management plan.

Conclusion

Alternative therapies are not constantly benign. Again, some of these herbal treatments can adversely interact with other medicines that you are currently taking. Do not forget to discuss this matter with your doctor before trying these methods, and make sure that you inform all your healthcare providers what therapies you are using.

 

 

How Physical Therapy Helps Manage Chronic Pain

 

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Approximately 50 million in the United States are suffering from chronic pain. What is chronic pain, and how is it different from the ordinary pain that we sometimes feel?

Chronic pain can impede your daily recreational and professional activities, and it can have a significant impact on your capacity to focus, relax, and live a happy life. Several therapies are available to help manage chronic pain – massage, exercise, acupuncture, medications, and other forms of treatments. Undergoing physical therapy for your chronic pain is also an excellent choice, and it might help you control your pain and restore normal mobility.

If you suffer from chronic pain, seeking assistance from a physical therapist can tremendously help alleviate your pain, and your therapist can provide techniques for self-management of your pain. What does physical therapy for chronic pain entail? And in the first place, what is chronic pain?

Chronic Pain

The most basic meaning of chronic pain is pain that has existed for more than 12 weeks. But it could be more complicated than this, and the most suitable means to understand this type of pain is to know more about its close relative: acute pain. Acute pain is a type of pain that has a sudden onset and disappears after a few weeks. Usually, acute pain is a result of traumatic events that harm the body’s tissues.

For example, if you hurt your hand with a hammer, this results in acute pain. This pain is severe and abrupt, and you can identify the cause of the pain. Your hand becomes inflamed, painful, and red. For a few weeks, this pain disappears as your hand recovers.

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Now picture yourself smashing your hand with a hammer all over again. Your hand gets inflamed, sore, and red. However, this time, picture your hand pain progressing long after the indications of the injury have subsided. The tissues are obviously healed, but your hand is still aching. When you attempt to move your hand, the pain is still there and is even worse. This is known as chronic pain.

It can often be perplexing to describe chronic pain, and it can inhibit you from focusing and doing your normal day-to-day activities. To add to that, managing chronic pain can confuse your doctor and leave you puzzled as well.

Often, the pain appears when there is just a little or no damage to the tissues. So why does the pain last long, even after the tissues have recovered? Why are some medications not effective in managing your pain? These queries can be hard to answer, and identifying the best therapy for your chronic pain can be equally hard as well.

Physical Therapy Regimens

When you choose physical therapy for chronic pain management, you might go through different treatments that can be utilized to enhance your mobility, lessen pain, and help you function completely. Typical treatments utilized by physical therapists to manage chronic pain include:

  • Massage. Several physical therapists apply massage to reduce pain by alleviating muscle tightness and enhancing muscular blood flow.
  • Dry Needling. This is one of the latest treatments done by physical therapists to reduce aching trigger points and muscle knots. Dry needling entails using small needles – the same used in acupuncture – to pierce muscle knots and tissues to alleviate the pain felt in these areas.
  • Ice Or Heat. Physical therapists frequently utilize modalities such as ice and heat to help reduce inflammation and pain. These regimens have not been confirmed to be potent with individuals going through chronic pain, although they are frequently used as complementary therapies during physical therapy sessions.

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  • Exercise. Physical exercise must be your primary PT tool in chronic pain management, as it significantly helps you build mobility and strength. Imagine exercise as some feedback loop. Your central nervous system is responsible for moving your body, so physical activity is simply output originating from your brain. When you can move with little pain or no pain at all, you are emphasizing to your brain that the movement you are doing does not hurt. Hence, while you are becoming more resilient with more improved mobility, you are also allowing your nervous system to be accustomed to moving safely.
  • Ultrasound. This is a type of treatment that entails deep heating. The machine’s sound head is applied to the skin, emitting deep heat to the body tissues. This PT modality enhances blood flow and circulation. It is vital to emphasize that ultrasound has not been confirmed to be substantially effective in managing chronic pain. Nevertheless, you might experience this type of treatment during one of your physical therapy sessions.
  • Electrical Stimulation Or TENS. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation is a therapeutic device that utilizes electricity to reduce pain impulses originating from one’s body to the brain.

These treatment regimens are designed to accomplish a specific objective. You must talk to your physical therapist about the purpose of the treatment to anticipate your expectations.

 

 

How A Counselor Learned To Prioritize Her Health

In my seven years of practicing psychology and counseling, I could no longer count how many times I encouraged my clients to learn how to say no to people.

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For instance, one of my clients sought psychological help because her relatives had been draining her savings and her sanity with their constant demands. Say, her sister would have babies every year and expect her to pay for the bills. Then, her brother would drive under the influence and ask her to pay for any property he’d damage. My client was okay with it initially until she needed help, and no one lent a hand to her. That made her feel miserable and insignificant, considering nobody was willing to offer support when she needed it the most.

In another case, my client had a husband who would not stop having extramarital affairs, and she was livid about it. However, whenever her spouse would reason that he was doing that because my client could not give him offspring, she would feel small and let him walk all over her. Her self-respect went so low that her husband even tried to bring his new girl into their home while she was there.

My clients could have prevented such circumstances if my clients said no initially. “No, I will not give you more money.” “No, I will not take care of your medical bills whenever you drink and drive or have more kids.” “And, no, you cannot hook up with other women and think that I should accept it because I cannot bear a child.”

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While helping my clients was always a fulfilling job, I would be a fool if I would not admit that their issues sometimes got to me. That’s especially true if it was a new client, and the person was drowning in emotional troubles, and they would unload them to me for one or two hours straight. I could not talk to anyone about them every day, so I would be a mess if I did not have time to relax on the weekend.

That One Time I Didn’t Heed My Advice

There was a time when my best friend, a counselor, had to go on maternity leave. She already asked another mental health professional to take over her clients while recuperating and bonding with her newborn, but that person bailed out on her at the last minute. Not knowing what to do, she asked if I could help her.

In reality, I wanted to say no. Heck, I should have said no. My schedule was already full, and I knew that I was close to my limit. But how could I disappoint my best friend? She took over for me when I had an appendectomy a couple of years ago, so it was time to pay her back.

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Although it seemed impossible to work for more than eight hours every day in my profession, I had a game plan. I thought of alternating my clients with hers so that I could make time for both. I also extended my working hours to lessen the number of people I would have to ask to reschedule for another day. My best friend already offered to pay my secretaries for their overtime, so we were all set. “What could go wrong? It’s only two months,” I even said.

For 60 days straight since that moment, I had been working nonstop. Not once did I get to call for a timeout, primarily since the pandemic occurred around the same time, and more people sought mental help. If I was not meeting a client while keeping a physical distance from them, I was on the phone, Skype-ing, or chatting with other clients.

Then, one afternoon, I just stood up to usher my client out of the door when I felt faint and passed out.

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Prioritizing My Health

I woke up to the concerned faces of my secretaries and an older man who was clearly a doctor. I was already on my daybed as well. When I asked what happened, they recounted how they saw me drop on the floor. Luckily, my clinic was already at the hospital, so they got a doctor to attend to me quickly.

Some tests were conducted on me, and I eventually found out that I had anemia. Mixing iron deficiency, stress, and exhaustion, it was more surprising that I didn’t pass out sooner.

Kidding aside, the diagnosis pushed me to reassert my priorities. My best friend was still not back, and I could not wait for her availability, so I got two new counselors to sub for us. Then, I went to my parents’ farm in Omaha and relaxed there for two whole months.

Once I returned to the civilization and got my anemia checked again, all my test results returned normal. I happily resumed my work, but I would never try to take on more than I could handle ever.

A Counselor’s Physical Healing Journey

Like any other profession, it was expensive to get all the requirements to enter a specific career. In my case, since I wanted to be a psychologist and counselor, a four-year bachelor’s degree would not cut it. I had to get master’s and doctoral degrees and all the training that came in between them.

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The thing was, I did not come from money, so I had to get student loans to continue my studies. By the time I finished my doctoral, I was already swimming in at least 100,000-dollar debt. Thus, when I finally got my license to practice psychology and counseling, my primary goal was to establish my clinic to pay off my student loans and provide for my family.

Becoming A Workaholic

In hopes of earning enough money to settle my debt before I even turned 30, I decided to open my clinic seven days a week. Most psychologists and counselors I knew were only available five or six days a week, but I went above and beyond that. While others were happy to stick to an eight-hour schedule, I got licensed to perform online counseling to work still even when I was not in the clinic. This meant that I was on the job for 10 to 14 hours every single day.

I mentioned this work plan to my friends before I even started, and they all laughed, thinking I was trying to be hilarious. They said that no sane person would be able to do that or want to do that. After all, our old professors stressed the importance of REM sleep to increase our effectiveness as psychologists or counselors.

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What my friends forgot to factor into the equation was that I was a woman on a mission. My goal was to make as much money as possible. I would lose a lot of sleep and rest, yes, but it would be worth it in the end when I was already debt-free. Hence, I did my best to stick to my path.

When I Needed A Lifestyle Change

The good news was that I remained effective in my profession despite my lack of good sleep. I got to help many people make sense of their issues; there was never once a person who complained about my skills or knowledge. More importantly, I was earning more money than I ever imagined.

My work plan never failed me, but I had to make a lifestyle change and practically stop working towards my goals at a quick pace because I started feeling like there’s something wrong with my body.

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For one, my menstruation was already three months late. I did not have time for sex and was definitely not pregnant, so that’s bothersome. My feet also started aching even if I wore the same shoes for years. If I stayed in the car for more than 30 minutes, they would swell up immediately. Worse, I could feel my weight increasing because all I could wear were my dresses – none of my pants would fit anymore.

When I consulted a doctor and discussed my symptoms with her, she asked me to do the thyroid tests. The thought of having a thyroid issue never crossed my mind, but then I remembered that my dad’s sister got diagnosed with it two years ago. And before her, my grandmother had it, too. Thus, it might be possible that I had the same condition.

While waiting for the results, I had enough time to accept that I might have a thyroid problem. Because of that, when it was confirmed, I already made peace with the fact that I would have to cut back my work hours and stick to an eight-hour schedule. I also had to take at least a day off, relax, and do nothing so that stress won’t make my health problems worse.

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Was It Easy?

Heck, no. Many people looked forward to a day of relaxation and recreation, but I never felt like I had the luxury to do that. After all, even when I was a student, I would use my free time to do part-time jobs or study for my exams. I did not think that there would be a day when I would have nothing to do since there were so many goals I wanted to achieve. Yet, there I was – forced by a medical condition to stop and rest.

Although I was not used to taking care of myself, my days off helped me realize that there was more to life than working. Ever since my Sundays became free, I got to hang out with friends and family, host BBQ parties, and even go on dates. I continued to do these things even when I got my thyroid issues under control.

It was the first time in a long time that I felt like a real person and not a robot – and it felt incredible.

Frequently Asked Questions About Service Dogs For Depression

Please don’t judge me, but I will start this article with the truth. I don’t particularly appreciate spending time with animals, especially dogs. Yes, they can be cute and adorable most of the time. But I somehow prefer them as creatures that need to stay away from me. No, I am not scared of them and do not hate them. It is just that I somewhat do not see their significance in my major life functions. I know a couple of people who take domestic animals such as dogs as their pets and make them part of their families. Before, I thought I wouldn’t need or want it. But everything changed when I suffered from a mental and emotional overload crisis– depression.

What Changed My Mind

At first, things in my life were okay that way. I was living with my boyfriend, and we had been planning to get married. But unfortunately, my soon-to-be husband got into an accident and died last year. It was a different level of pain, and I couldn’t summon the courage to accept the truth. I was in shock and filled with denial. I could not fathom life without the one person I wanted to spend it with. All that is left with me is sorrow. The emotions I experienced were ones I never imagined I would go through. I was sad and devastated, and I got stuck in a void. I felt so alone and hopeless. I suffered from severe depression, and my dog provided crucial emotional and psychiatric support during this challenging time.

Last year was the worst part of my entire existence, and until now, it still was the most painful experience I have had to endure recalling. I have been depressed for a long period, and I thought it was the end of me. I somehow became a different person and pushed away my family and friends. I shut down. I was so hurt that I thought I would never get better. But that was before. Before, I even knew that my life would change once I met Geevo.

A cute German shepherd service dog and acts as an emotional assistant
Source: pixabay.com

Geevo is a service dog. Honestly, I was hesitant to have him at first because I never really believed that a service dog could assist someone with emotional and mental health conditions. As I said, animals are not for me. But my best friend insisted that I should try it, and I did get one eventually. And after a couple of weeks of spending time with Geevo, I was so amazed to see how disciplined, focused, and well-behaved a dog can be. I was in awe. It genuinely convinced me that a dog could be much of a help, especially in depressing times.

The companionship that my dog is giving is what I am truly blessed with. In times when I wasn’t able to control my emotions, Geevo was always there to comfort me. Amazingly, he tends to my needs, and it is as if he knows what to do every time I am not feeling okay. Seeing the dog smile and the way he cuddles with me alleviates my depression. Honestly, there are times that I am worried that my dog is taking too much of the negativities in me and making him feel sad. But I was genuinely surprised how they could take and absorb all those negative emotions and give good ones in return. The dog somehow knows how to assist me in removing all those depressing burdens I have during the grieving process.

I never believed that service dogs would greatly provide assistance in times of mental depression. I guess I was wrong all along. I never imagined them being the last hope I could get to alleviate my mental anguish. So if there is one thing I would be thankful for, that is Geevo’s presence in my life. I could never thank him enough for his ability to perform specific tasks and for supporting me through the darkest days of my life.

What Types Of Mental Illnesses Qualify For A Service Dog?

The mental illnesses that qualify a psychiatric service dog (PSD) are included post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and depression. A service dog is a particular class of service animal skilled and specifically trained to aid people with depression.

What Are The Best Service Dogs For Anxiety And Depression?

Some of the breeds that fit well as psychiatric service dogs for depression include huskies, boxers, German shepherds, Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers, and poodles.

How Much Is A Service Dog For Depression?

A psychiatric service dog can be a little expensive because of the high cost of all the required training. Usually, it costs about $20,000 and $30,000. This rate includes vet care, temperament testing, food, and extensive training.

Is Getting A Dog Good For Depression?

Pets, primarily dogs and cats, can provide emotional support and contribute to improved mental health by reducing symptoms of anxiety, stress, and depression. This is especially true for service dogs, as they are trained to perform specific tasks that aid in managing depression, alleviate feelings of loneliness, encourage physical activity and play, and even enhance cardiovascular well-being. Caring for a dog also fosters emotional growth and promotes an active and secure lifestyle. In addition, these loyal companions offer exceptional support for older adults.

How Do I Know If I Need A Support Dog?

Needing psychiatric service animals or emotional support animals comes with certain qualifications. You must first meet several criteria to be eligible to get one. Usually, this includes having a person’s disability, such as being unable to walk, see, or talk. Additionally, support animals can be obtained if you are dealing with a debilitating illness or depression.

Can Dogs Tell If You Have Mental Anxiety?

Fortunately, dogs can sense their human’s inner issues, such as depression. Many of these dogs react in a caring way towards their humans and help ease loneliness and sadness most lovingly and cutely. Dogs make use of their remarkable sense of smell to understand and perceive the things around them. They can also detect changes in various brain chemicals, including those associated with depression and anxiety. This ability makes them invaluable as psychiatric service dogs, trained to perform essential tasks to support individuals struggling with emotional and mental health challenges.

What Do Emotional Support Animals Do?

ESAs or Emotional Support Animals provide therapeutic benefits to certain people with psychological health issues such as phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, and other physical or mental impairment. But like other medical conditions solution, an emotional support dog should be prescribed by a licensed mental health professional.

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Can Animals Sense Mental Anxiety?

Yes. Just think of a scenario where our dogs sense a threat; they become alert and get protective. Therefore, dogs can sense depression, and many respond in a loving and caring way to their humans to cheer them up. Dogs use their extraordinary sense of smell to take in and understand their surroundings.

How Do You Get A Service Dog For Depression? 

Acquiring a service dog to help with your depression is not that complicated. However, it needs to go through a series of processes. You should have a recommendation letter from a certified mental health professional stating that your depression keeps you from doing at least one significant daily life chore or most daily tasks without support or aid.

How Do You Train A Service Dog For Depression And Anxiety? 

Training service dogs for people with emotional and mental health condition is the same as training an ordinary dog with some tricks. For example, when your dog focuses on what is happening, reward the dog. Let your dog learn cautions like a shove and follow up with a verbal order. From there, show the anxiety symptoms and the verbal order for the warning sign. When the dog practices the warning while practicing the anxiety indications, reward your dog.

What Can A Therapy Dog Do?

Therapy dogs provide relief to those with depression and anxiety-provoking psychiatric conditions. These animals bring comfort to those who are depressed. These dogs also offer affection to humans in institutions such as those staying longer in nursing homes, hospitals, and schools.

What Animal Is Good For Depression?

A therapist with expertise in the animal therapy area uses the most common emotional support animals for depression, such as dogs and cats. These animals help treat people with depression. It is referred to as animal-assisted interventions.

Can A Dog Be Mad At You?

Honestly, yes. The possibility of dogs getting mad at you is high, especially if you constantly make them feel upset. But here’s the good news. Dogs do not get mad or angry at you the way you imagined. It is different from the actual thing. According to PetMD, while dogs unquestionably feel a series of negative emotions, they don’t connect abuse or blame to those sentiments. They feel sad, but they do not entirely get angry for emotionally hurting them.

Can Any Dog Be A Therapy Dog?

Yes, on several occasions. But note that a certified therapy dog must be friendly and at least one year old to become a therapy dog. Any breed can qualify to give people affection and comfort in schools, retirement homes, mental health institutions, clinics and hospitals, airports, and many other settings.

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Insight

Geevo, my dog was so sweet, and he was so focused on providing me with love and care. Yes, I still think of my boyfriend from time to time, and it still pains me to recall that most agonizing death of his. But fortunately, I found myself in the arms of loving animals. Because right now, I realize that my mental and emotional health is more important than my depression. I will be forever thankful for my recovery, and I owe it to my service dog. It is important to also provide service dogs the love and appreciation they deserve.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Pain And Depression

 

Each of us goes through sporadic body pains just as much as we experience emotional pains. In fact, acute pain is a significant response of the central nervous system that helps warn us about probable injuries. In the presence of an injury, pain indicators pass from the pained part through the spinal cord and then to the brain.

Technically, the pain we feel when we are injured eventually decreases as we heal, but severe pain is not the same as usual discomfort.

Lingering Discomfort: Impact On Daily Life

When you suffer from severe pain, the pain indicators keep pouring toward the body and brain, even when the injury has already healed. This may persist for weeks or even years. This type of discomfort hinders a person’s strength, mobility, endurance & resiliency.

Chronic pain and depression can significantly impact one’s overall health, making it challenging to engage in daily activities. Seeking appropriate treatment, care, and therapy is essential in managing both the physical and mental aspects of this condition.

How is chronic pain defined and described? For starters, severe pain is a type of pain that persists for no less than 12 weeks. Chronic pain symptoms might feel dull or excruciating, and it can manifest as a burning or throbbing feeling in the areas affected. It can be constant or intermittent without any evident reason. The discomfort can also be felt in various areas of the body.

The Origins

Typically, chronic pain is triggered by a trauma or injury, like a fractured bone or muscle soreness. Apparently, severe pain begins following nerve damage. This nerve damage leads to more severe discomfort that is persistent and long-term. When this occurs, focusing on the primary injury might not be the solution. In several instances, though, people go through chronic pain even when there was no initial injury.

Side Effects

The inherent triggers of chronic pain are still unknown and the pain may occasionally lead to a primary health problem, including:

  • Fibromyalgia – generalized pain affecting the muscles and bones.
  • Interstitial cystitis – a long-term condition described by pain and bladder pressure.
  • Inflammatory bowel disease – a gamut of illnesses that results in excruciating inflammation in the digestive system that is severe.
  • Fatigue syndrome – is described as prolonged exhaustion that typically manifests with pain.

Having severe discomfort can be a big hassle.  It does not only give you intolerable discomfort but may also ruin your concentration during the day. While several factors may cause this condition, chronic pain caused by persistent depression can be more difficult to manage.

Understanding Prolonged Discomfort: Connection To Mood Disorders

But first, what is chronic pain, and how can major depression make it worse?

Chronic pain is a feeling of pain or discomfort that may last for a prolonged period. Usually caused by unwanted injuries, severe pain can start from one area to another. The discomfort can make the body more sensitive. And if it aggravates further, it can cause mood changes, uncontrollable stress, or even delayed mental and physical activity.

Consequently, these body sensations due to chronic stress can affect other aspects of life. Depression and chronic pain, often coexisting in patients with chronic pain conditions, can have a profound impact on various aspects of life. These depressive symptoms, when part of a depressive disorder or bipolar disorder, may affect work performance and relationships with others, leading to emotional pain.

A comprehensive treatment plan addressing both the physical symptoms and depression is crucial for improving the overall well-being of individuals facing this dual challenge. Such a plan may include therapy and other forms of care tailored to the specific needs of those dealing with depression and chronic pain, ensuring they receive the necessary support to manage their health conditions effectively.

When you have severe discomfort, you could potentially have persistent stress and tension, and eventually, these can lead to various issues that are closely related to depression. Problems that people depression and severe discomfort may include constant anger, fatigue, financial issues, lack of sexual interest, fear of emotional or physical pain trauma, social seclusion, sleep problems, weight loss, or weight gain, including negative thoughts, among others.

A man scratching his head in contemplation, with a backdrop of powerful ocean waves signifying his struggles of invisible mental afflictions.
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Sleep & Diet

With the vicious cycle of depression, chronic pain becomes more aggravating. Treatment for severe pain requires ample sleep and a balanced, well-timed diet. But all these can be undermined when someone has a major depressive disorder. This mental condition can make healing more complicated as it affects specific lifestyle choices fit for combating physical symptoms of chronic pain.

According to recent data from the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 75% of people with depression also manifest discomfort or uncomfortable sensation. These unpleasant feelings often include back pains and headaches. This data may root in the cyclic or two-way relationship between depression and chronic pain.

What Might Be The Reason For The Overlap?

According to national institute experts, both chronic discomfort and depression share several neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals that function as messengers that go through nerves. The two also have the same nerve pathways coursing through the spinal cord and the brain. Additionally, the negative effects of severe pain on an individual’s daily life may also be a trigger for depression. It makes him suffer from enormous difficulties, mostly in areas that include his job, sleep, relationships, physical activities, social network, and more. These difficulties can all add to depression in many people, especially those who are prone to clinical depression.

Consequently, this intensifies the discomfort and decreases one’s capacity to survive with it, and it may be impossible for him to ensure safety and get rid of the stress and negativities in his life.

The Impact Of Negative Emotions

In general, discomfort causes feelings of distress and agony or emotions of irritability and stress. And as negative emotions continue to pile up, it increases the tendency to develop mild depression.

At the same time, depression can also trigger unusual body pains and sometimes headaches. Studies say that these conditions involve similar brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. They also have the same nerve pathways both in the brain and in the spinal cord.

To date, there is still no clear association between the two. But medication to alleviate their symptoms is usually in conjunction with both conditions. Simply put, treatments for these conditions are antidepressant medications that can work for both.

Other treatments may include lifestyle changes, diet plans, or recommendations for exercise and other physical activities. Therapies also play a significant role in mitigating the signs of depression.

If you want to know the systematic review, specifics, and treatment of chronic pain and how an untreated depression affects its current state, you can check out the FAQ below:

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Pain Be Caused By Depression?

One of the symptoms of depression is chronic pain that does not seem to have a physical source. A study published in 2017 has shown that 85 percent of patients experiencing severe discomfort are also experiencing severe depression. These two occurrences can actually make each other more severe. So chronic discomfort makes depression worse, and depression makes the pain worse too. Make sure you consult a doctor to avoid further complications and issues.

How Does Prolonged Discomfort Affect Mental Health?

Studies have shown that discomfort can be caused by mental health issues such as depression. Some studies have also shown that when intense pain is present, there is a chance that mental illness is also present. These two directly affect each other, so severe discomfort becomes severe with depression present and vice versa.

There is also something referred to as “chronic pain-induced depression,” where a person is also experiencing depression due to intense pains.

How Do You Mentally Deal With Chronic Pain?

There are a few different ways that a person can deal with chronic pain. However, this will still depend on the person and their level of sensitivity. Different people will have different sensitivity levels, which does not mean that one is wrong for feeling a certain way. It will help if you are mentally prepared to understand and accept that you will need help with this. Find a balance within yourself and try to calm yourself so that you can healthily develop coping skills.

What Is The Best Antidepressant For Prolonged Discomfort?

Since people with discomfort often get diagnosed with depression due to the pain that they are experiencing, there have been several different antidepressants that have been found effective for both discovered pain and depression. SNRIs such as Venlafaxine & Duloxetine can be quite effective in battling intense pains. However, it is still best to consult a doctor to know what is best suited for you and your condition.

A man dealing with a mental health struggle. He probably look like he needed more mental health help.
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What Does Anxiety Pain Feel Like?

Some different symptoms or signs can point you toward anxiety. This will usually feel like you will faint, chest pains will be present, and feeling quite dizzy. These chest pains will commonly be described as sharp and stabbing pains that will occur despite the person being still. You can also experience shortness of breath and sweating and the feeling of fear that can become quite overwhelming.

Can Chronic Pain Change Your Personality?

In a study published in New South Wales, it has been discovered that people experiencing discomfort have low amounts of a brain chemical known as glutamate, which is responsible for regulating a person’s thoughts and emotions. The study also states that discomfort can disrupt communication between our brain cells, which could effectively change a person’s personality by impairing their ability to process their emotions properly.

What Are The Long-Term Effects Of Chronic Pain?

Based on research throughout the years, it has been found that severe pains can actually affect a person’s mood. It can also cause a person to experience mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. Chronic pains extended for long periods of time can also alter your brain’s structure. Chronic pain can reduce your brain’s grey matter, the area of your brain which controls learning, which can cause difficulty with learning, memory processing, and motor controls.

Our central nervous system can also change as we experience chronic pain for long periods, which means our brain becomes overly sensitive and overly reactive.

Can Chronic Pain Make You Crazy?

Chronic pain can make you “feel” crazy because severe discomfort can release a chemical in your brain where it stimulates your nervous system because you do not know what to expect, and that induces anxiety. Finally, the change can be stressful. These reasons can make you feel like you are going crazy, but no, discomforts can make you feel that way; however, you are not going crazy. You may become depressed, or anxiety might start to settle in, but you will not go crazy.

What Are The 4 Types Of Pain?

The four main types of pain are Nociceptive pain which is usually a result of an injury in your tissues; there is also Inflammatory issues which is caused by abnormal inflammation which is caused by the immune system’s inappropriate response—neuropathic pain or the discomfort that is caused by nerve irritations. Finally, we have Functional pain, which is basically pain that has no physical source, but it can still cause you pain.

How Do You Stay Positive With Chronic Pain?

A person can deal with pain and emotions in different ways that would be ineffective for others but very effective. We all have different ways of coping and staying positive, and we can never invalidate how a person feels.

A few ways to stay positive even when you are experiencing severe pain are trying to manage stress, staying active, making sure you get enough sleep, keeping a journal to log your thoughts and feelings, being open with people you love, and making sure that you are getting the right support that you need.

What Causes Chronic Pain All Over The Body?

Several different causes can be behind your chronic pain. There is, of course, the underlying reason for the disease being behind your severe pain—diseases such as arthritis and fibromyalgia. However, persistent pain may also be caused by more serious illnesses such as cancer, AIDS, stomach ulcers, and more. Ensure that you can consult a doctor to determine your best treatment methods and pain rehabilitation programs when you start to experience these severe discomforts.

How Can I Relieve My Whole Body Soreness?

Multiple ways can be done to ensure that you are relieving your body of pain. Depending on where the pain is coming from, there are different methods that you could apply to make sure that you soothe your body from the discomfort. Make sure that you are rested; you can also take medications such as ibuprofen.

Another way is to try and ice the area where the discomfort originates, reducing the pain and inflammation. Other ways include eating more fiber, warm-up your joints, taking warm baths, and you can also try getting a massage if you feel like it.

Why Does My Whole Body Hurt After Waking Up?

According to scientists, we feel like our bodies hurt when we wake up because the natural ibuprofen that our body emits has not fully kicked in, or we might just not be using the right mattress. Maybe it is too stiff for your body to cause you issues to make your body feel like it is not rested. Overly exerting effort in the gym or training can also cause this discomfort.

Why Am I Always Tired & Have No Energy?

Your body might not be getting the amount of rest that it requires. Our bodies need to rest for at least eight hours a day to restore the energy we lost throughout the day. Another reason is that we might not be eating the right amount of healthy food that our body needs. We need a perfect balance of protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals to be healthier and more energized.

Conclusion

Severe discomfort and mental illness are treatable conditions with the right medication and early diagnosis. However, if left untreated, these conditions may affect daily life. These can also cause difficulties in coping with discomfort in interacting with other people. Chronic pain can worsen depression. It can even lead to unwanted pains & suicidal tendencies.

If you are currently experiencing suicidal thoughts, please seek medical help immediately. You may reach out to your local emergency hotlines or call your trusted mental health professional.

A man taking his time seeking therapy and professional help from an expert.
Source: pexels.com

Do not let any discomfort and mental health problems take control of your life. Find legitimate healthcare providers that can give you the most accurate & urgent medical diagnosis. Do not subtend what the online facts and websites say about what your condition might be. Hearing from a trusted medical practitioner is still your best choice in alleviating severe pain and,  subsequently, depression.

You can always ask for a second opinion about your present condition. Often, constant pain and depression can also be caused by other factors. Doing so can make you more sure about achieving wellness in no time.

What Is The Link Between Prolonged Pain And Depression?

How Does Chronic Pain Make People Feel?

How Can I Be Happy Living In Chronic Pain?

Frequently Asked Questions About Helping Someone With Depression

A few of the red flags of a mental illness are not something that we can easily notice. We ignore some details because we believe them to be part of a person’s personality and traits. We understand the complication of the sudden change in words, emotions, and reactions that can mean a thing. However, it does not guarantee a definite conclusion for individuals severely dealing with a mental health problem. Not unless that person tells us everything about what he is going through emotionally and mentally.

Realizing that a person we know has depression is quite intimidating. There are these “what ifs” that we pile up for them to answer. We constantly say we understand what they feel, but the truth is, we sincerely do not know anything about their struggle. Yes, we deal with our own mental health issues, but it does not give us a pass to become more knowledgeable about others’ emotional and mental health experiences.

You need to help a person that has or currently facing mental health struggle like this two people talking to each other.
Source: pixabay.com

The responsibility of helping a person with depression is different from helping ourselves fight the mental health battle. Our ways of handling ourselves are a bit overrated because we feel like the world owes us a lot. When dealing with a mental illness (anxiety and depression), we sometimes feel obligated to feel and think that we shouldn’t because we are indeed having a mental breakdown. We somehow push people to pay more attention to us because we want them to entirely get to the bottom of our emotional and mental struggles. But when it is the opposite of everything, we become insensitive and full of assumptions.

Depression is a complex and multi-faceted mental health condition that can affect people in different ways.

It’s important to note that mental health can range in severity from mild to severe and can impact each individual differently. Some people may experience only a few depression symptoms, while others may experience many. If you suspect that you or a person you know may be experiencing mental health condition, it’s important to seek professional help.

A mental health professional can provide an accurate diagnosis and develop a personalized treatment plan that can really help someone with depression.

When interacting with a person who has depression, make sure you consider the following behaviors:

  1. Avoid minimizing their feelings: Depression can be a debilitating condition, and it’s crucial to avoid making them feel as though their feelings are invalid or trivial.
  2. Be consistent: People with depression may struggle with maintaining relationships due to their condition. It’s crucial to be consistent in your communication and support groups to help them feel secure.
  3. Avoid making assumptions: Everyone’s experience with depression is unique, so avoid making assumptions about their suicidal thoughts, feelings, or behaviors.
  4. Encourage self-care: Self-care activities such as exercise, sleep, and relaxation techniques can help alleviate symptoms of the mental health issue. Encourage them to engage in self-care practices.
  5. Avoid blaming or shaming: Depression is not a choice, and it’s crucial to avoid blaming or shaming a person for their condition.
  6. Celebrate small victories: People dealing with mental health issues may struggle with seeing progress or success, so it’s crucial to celebrate small victories and accomplishments.
  7. Avoid pressuring them: Avoid pressuring a person with depression to do things they may not feel up to, such as socializing or participating in activities.
  8. Educate yourself: Educating yourself about mental health issues and mental health can help you understand their experiences and provide better support.
  9. Respect their boundaries: People with a mental disorder may need time and space to process their thoughts and emotions. Respect their boundaries and give them the time and space they need, even if it means taking a step back from your interactions for a while.

Let’s take time to reflect on our actions and deeply understand how to help a person with a mental disorder. Here are a few guidelines to use from the frequently asked questions.

How Do You Help A Depressed Person To Calm Down?

To comfort and help a person calm down, you need to be more specific about your role. It is vital that you understand the person’s feelings and not just witness them. You have to be the one that should validate their emotions and never judge them. It is okay to convince them not to think too much about their problems or stressors in life. But never attempt to minimize their pain or cheer them up. It would help if you allowed them to learn more about their feelings to manage them better once they experience them again. As an individual that is concerned, you have to suggest action steps that they can take and offer your help if needed.

But note. Not everyone is happy that you are around. It will also help if you distance yourself from time to time to allow depressed individuals to obtain their space. It would be much appreciated if you could be there for them without forcing yourself into their lives to avoid straining emotional and mental battles.

 How Do You Help An Individual Who Doesn’t Want To Be Helped?

A depressed person often wants isolation, and he does not want anything to do with you or others. If you want to help them, do not force yourself into their situation. Allow them to validate their feelings so they can open up and express themselves. Listen and pay attention to their struggles and suffering. You don’t need to do anything at first. Avoid giving unsolicited advice so that you can try and fix things. Allow the person to ask for help before trying to explore options together. It is significantly important that you also take care of yourself and find support on your own if all hopes went down.

In case the person is entirely out of control and does not want anything from you, respect his space. Give him some time to emotionally and mentally recover, even for a bit, until he realizes that he needs somebody to be there for him. Because sometimes, the only way you can thoroughly help a person with depression is by leaving them alone and allowing them to realize their potential.

 What Are The General Methods Used To Treat Depression?

There are a lot of techniques to treat depression. However, three of the more common methods used by health professional experts include cognitive behavioral therapy. It is a goal-oriented psychotherapy treatment that focuses on problem-solving that aims to change thinking patterns or behavior patterns. Second is interpersonal therapy or the idea of how a person deals with a personal relationship with other people. Lastly, psychodynamic therapy or therapy focuses on finding patterns in one’s thoughts, emotions, and beliefs to gain insight into the current self.

Source: pixabay.com

 How Do You Make Someone Feel Better?

Trying your best to make a person feel better should start with paying attention to his needs. It will promote a nice feeling if he knows you listen attentively to his every word. It would mean so much for the person because there is affection and support involved there. The time you spend with that individual, regardless of the purpose, makes everything okay. Simple appreciation works well too. You can tell the individual that his thoughts and feelings are worth sharing.

Honestly, there are so many ways that you can do to make a person feel better. You only have to avoid overdoing it. Because if you insist and push it too much, the emotional pressure might build up. It will make the person believe that he needs to get better just because you think he should be and not because he wants it.

Is understanding depression the key to assist a person overcome depression?

Understanding depression is one of the keys to helping individual with a mental health condition. Knowing that a lot of depressed people are battling with difficult emotions, negative thoughts, and depressive symptoms that can affect all areas of a person’s life.

When a loved one’s depression comes to an emotional crisis lifeline point, it’s important to check out if there are visible warning signs of major depressive disorder and if they are experiencing suicidal thoughts. By giving advice or trying out to help their depression, talking can be counterproductive, and being there for your depressed friend or family member can make all the difference. It can be a way to stop them from taking their own life because sometimes a person’s presence on an individual with depression can have a significant impact on them, fulfilling their own needs mentally and emotionally.

Besides, small tasks such as offering them a meal or inviting them to watch a funny movie can be a sort of relief and can lessen some symptoms of depression. Nevertheless, prioritizing your own needs is vital as well, and you can seek professional help if needed.

There are organizations that assist people with depressive disorder and promote suicide prevention, like Bipolar Support Alliance which provides resources and support for both the depressed person and their loved ones, as well as people with bipolar disorder. Start helping people with mental health conditions by simply encouraging them to have a session with mental health experts.

How Do You Cheer Up A Lonely Person?

Sometimes, loneliness is temporary. But you still have to be notably careful with your judgment because it might be a different mental health issue. If you have a chance to cheer up a lonely person, start by hugging him. It might sound like a simple thing to do, but it is worth it. Allow him to feel that you are physically, mentally, and emotionally available for him no matter what. Talk to him and take him out. Spend time with him and do not make him feel that he is not alone.

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If you want to help a person who is struggling with depression, here are some things you can do:

  1. Listen: One of the most important things you can do is listen to the person. Allow them to share their thoughts and feelings without interrupting or judging them.
  2. Be supportive: Let the person know that you care and that you’re there for them. Offer to help in any way you can, whether it’s running errands, cooking meals, or just being there to talk.
  3. Encourage them to seek professional help: While you can be a great support, it’s important for the person to seek professional help. Encourage them in treatment and to see a therapist or doctor who can provide treatment.
  4. Educate yourself: Learn more about the mental health condition and its symptoms so you can better understand what the person is going through.
  5. Avoid platitudes: Don’t tell the person to “snap out of it” or “just be happy.” Depression is a serious condition and requires treatment.
  6. Take care of yourself: Helping people with depression can be emotionally draining, so make sure you’re taking care of yourself too. Set boundaries, practice self-care, and seek support if you need it.

Remember that everyone’s depression symptoms and experience is different, so be patient and understanding as the person works through their struggles.

Final Thoughts

Helping people with depression is a responsibility that requires a lot of consideration. Understand that not because you feel like talking to the person or think that your opinion matters, it does not make you entitled to invalidate his mental struggles. Do not assume you understand everything because mental illness is a complicated situation that not even you can easily comprehend.

 

FAQs

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Frequently Asked Questions About Light Therapy For Seasonal Affective Disorder

People experience different kinds of pain. There are different types of pain, but the more common type is physical pain. Injuries and diseases are some of the leading causes that result in physical pain. Physical pain can manifest through feelings of aching, burning, and throbbing. 

However, people feel another kind of pain, which we don’t talk about as often. And that is psychological pain. Likewise the former, this type of pain can stem from several causes as well. But in this article, the focus is on seasonal affective disorder.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression induced by seasonal changes. SAD is also known as “winter depression.” People typically experience this condition during the fall and winter seasons where there is less sunlight.

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People with SAD experience symptoms similar to that of major depression, which can interfere with daily functioning. 

Symptoms include the following:

  • loss of interest in activities
  • loss of energy
  • changes in sleep
  • difficulty thinking
  • suicidal thoughts

How does change in sunlight trigger SAD? Researchers have proposed several theories to explain this phenomenon. Decreased exposure to sunlight leads to a shift in people’s biological clocks. This shift affects the regulation of hormones, which in turn affects mood and sleep patterns. 

One of the affected hormones is serotonin – the happiness hormone. Serotonin levels drop with decreased sunlight causing mood changes. Seasonal changes also affect melatonin, the sleep hormone. With a lack of sunlight, there is an overproduction of melatonin. As a result, people feel sleepier. 

SAD’s link with sunlight exposure is mediated with light therapy.  

If you want to learn more about how light therapy may help with SAD, here are the frequently asked questions on this topic. Light therapy is one of the most utilized treatments for the condition. This article will focus specifically on the science behind light therapy—its processes, guidelines, risks, and benefits. Also, learn more about alternative treatment methods for SAD and how to maintain their benefits to prevent relapse. 

Do SAD light boxes really work?

SAD light boxes may ease the symptoms of your health conditions. It can also boost your energy levels and improve your feelings about yourself. Light therapy can begin to enhance the symptoms within a short period. However, light therapy is not the solution or cure for SAD, nonseasonal depression, or other health conditions.

How does light therapy work for seasonal affective disorder?

The lightbox’s light simulates the sunlight, which cannot be seen during the darker winter season. The light may alleviate SAD by decreasing the brain’s melatonin production and promote the creation of serotonin.

Can you use a SAD light too much?

An individual that gets too much light may experience discomfort, like the feeling after consuming too much caffeine. To avoid this, it is best to consult with a clinician to give a proper dose that works well for you.

How long does it take for light therapy to work for SAD?

Usually, people respond to light therapy within three to five days. Meanwhile, if there is no response within the first week, an improvement may appear in the second week.

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Do SAD lights help with vitamin D deficiency?

Experts do not recommend using sun lamps to induce vitamin D production since more research is done on this matter. According to them, the UV light from these may cause an increased risk for skin cancer. Instead, it is better to take supplemental vitamins with 2000 IUs per day to help with vitamin D deficiency.

Does light therapy help anxiety?

Light therapy dramatically reduces anxiety and depression scores. However, there are no significant differences between high- and low-intensity treatment.

Does a SAD lampwork if your eyes are closed?

Most light therapy studies have proven that positive effects are made when the eyes are open. The regular 10,000 lux per ½ hour session requires that your eyes are open.

Do SAD lamps give you a tan?

No, the sun lamps intended for SAD cannot give a tan since they filter the ultraviolet light. If you are using a sun lamp for SAD, it is vital to consult with your doctor. Using an incorrect type of lamp can harm your eyes and cause other detrimental effects.

Can you do light therapy at night?

Results of researches about whether light therapy works more effectively at a specific time of day varies. However, some people with SAD do their light therapy for one to two hours in the evening.

Can you wear glasses during light therapy?

Any individual can wear glasses or contact lenses during light therapy. However, in treating SAD, it is advisable not to wear sunglasses or tinted lenses.

Can light therapy hurt your eyes?

Looking directly at the lightbox can harm your eyes. While light therapy is generally safe, some conditions need extra precaution. People with bipolar disorder may show symptoms and become manic after excessive light exposure. Additionally, people with an eye condition or diabetes do have a higher risk of eye damage.

How long does SAD last?

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that happens at a similar time every year. It can occur during spring or summer, but it usually starts late and lasts until the end of the winter season.

Does light therapy really work for wrinkles?

Red light therapy (RLT) pursues to solve skin issues through low wavelength red light. Many experts have confidence that this therapy can aid in cases such as aging and scarring. Although RLT is not a miracle cure, there is some evidence to prove these claims.

Does red light therapy burn fat?

Red Light Therapy is an up to date advanced technology that utilizes a specific type of therapeutic light. This light can penetrate, open up fat cells, and dissolve the fat. Through this therapy, the fats transform and burn as energy.

Can I use light therapy all day?

It is recommended to take light therapy for 30 minutes to 2 hours a day. The recommended duration depends on the intensity level of the light used or whether you have been using it for some time.

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Symptoms of SAD generally improve with seasonal change, but treatment fastens mood improvement. Healthy lifestyle habits can also minimize SAD symptoms and prevent them from coming back. These habits include exercising, getting enough sleep, and eating a well-balanced diet. 

Spending time outside or working near a clear glass window can also help increase exposure to natural sunlight. It’s best to engage in these activities while undergoing treatments to maximize their benefits.

Social support is also important in improving mental health. Depressive symptoms may push people to isolate themselves from social circles and would further reinforce SAD. As such, maintaining connection through volunteering, socialization, and spending time together is beneficial for recovery.

SAD may be linked with the changing seasons, but with the right tools and support, people can work around SAD.