Dealing With Chronic Pain Through A Psychiatrist

 

 

Source: thebluediamondgallery.com

 

There are many kinds of pain that the human body may experience. It can be classified into many groups and one of which is chronic pain. “When the pain continues after healing, it becomes persistent or chronic. The brain continues to produce pain even when the body is healed. Then it becomes a much more complex pain; the person feels that they have not recovered even though there are no physical explanations for the pain,” according to Ana Nogales, Ph.D. This pertains to the type of pain that lasts for more than twelve weeks or three months. Some experts refer to it as a severe form of pain. According to a medical study, there have been reported cases of chronic pain lasting for more than one year.

 

If you are experiencing chronic pain, the best thing to do is to call a pain doctor as soon as possible. Do not ignore the symptoms of pain, since it could make the situation worse. When this happens, there is a high possibility that you would feel inconvenience in your daily life. You may have disturbances in your sleep, constant mood swings and episodes of anxiety or depression. Because of these emotional issues, it is highly recommended to see a psychiatrist.

“While emotional pain is often dismissed as being less serious than physical pain, it is important that continual emotional pain is taken seriously. In some cases, you may need to see a physician before emotional pain has lasting consequences,” a reminder from Elizabeth Hartney, PhD.

Source: wikimedia.org

 

Here are some of the things that you need to know:

 

  1. Psychiatric Treatments Are Useful In Learning How To Deal With Pain

The goal of this kind of treatment is to make the patient find the perfect way on how to deal with chronic pain. At this point, it is essential to highlight the fact that each has his or her way of handling the pain. Just because one method works for one patient does not mean that it will also work for the other. Fortunately, the services of a psychiatrist can guide the patient in identifying a suitable way of dealing with the pain.

 

  1. The Approach Varies From One Patient To Another

Once you start to hire the services of a psychiatrist, you need to understand that the approach he will use depends on the attending circumstances of your case. There is no hard and fast rule when it comes to this. The professional will study your case, which involves the cause of the chronic pain, its duration, as well as the other side effects that you feel. From the findings, the psychiatrist will then decide on the proper way to approach your treatment or healing process. This is essential because choosing the wrong approach may cause a delay in the recovery.

 

 A Psychiatrist May Work Hand In Hand With A Pain Doctor

The expertise of a psychiatrist is different from the pain doctor. However, there are instances wherein you will see these medical experts working together for the interest of a common patient. You have the option to choose the arrangement that you prefer. The advantage of this kind of setup is that the records will be readily transmitted between and among the professionals. As such, there is a high chance that both of them could help you in treating chronic pain in the fastest way possible. As the famous saying goes, “Two heads are better than one.”

“It can help people develop and foster passion, productivity, and balance in their lives,” said Chris Boyd, a psychotherapist, and he was referring to therapy.

Source: flickr.com

 

Chronic pain can cause a lot of disturbances in your life. Be sure to handle it the right way by seeking the professional help of a pain doctor as well as a psychiatrist.

 

6 Tips To Boost Your Mental Health

tips to better mental health at present moment
Source: pixabay.com

Taking care of your emotional well-being, including your psychological wellness, is very important.

 

There must be a focus on finding practical ways to relieve stress, reduce stress and negative feelings, and deal with the issues in life to improve mental and emotional health. Let’s discuss here a few silver-lining guidelines for improving mental skills and positive feelings.

Tips to Boost Your Mental Health And Emotional Wellness To Enjoy Life More

Tip 1: Always take a break at all costs for your overall mental wellness

There are several reasons for the stress and anxiety that you go through every day that doesn’t improve your psychological health. One of these is when there is too much focus on work, family life, lack of vitamin D, and other personal matters. As social creatures, when you start to experience exhaustion and can’t have quality time, the best thing to do is to take a break from your busy life. You could go on a road trip with your family and friends for outdoor time or simply stay at home and have a good quality sleep to recuperate.

If you’re looking to improve psychological health, here are a few things you can do to enjoy life more and feel good, calm, and experience positive things:

  1. Start spending time with emotional support groups and platonic or romantic relationships: friends, family members, primary care doctors, or a therapist.
  2. Do things that give you a positive mood: get outside in nature, try a new recipe, move your body, be creative, and have self-confidence.
  3. Learn about how your brain works and what things you can do to support it: eat whole grains, take a warm bath, fall asleep, and exercise.
  4. Talk to someone about what’s going on with you: a mental health professional, a hotline, a family member, or a trusted friend.

Check Out The Tips To Boost Your Mental Health Here

having a healthy life to boost mental health
Source: flickr.com

Tip 2: Regular exercise for good mental wellness and physical health

Being physically active is essential for your well-being. As professionals at BetterHelp often say, when you exercise, the body releases happy hormones that can make you feel better. It’s important to remember that the more you incorporate physical activity into your routine, the better you’ll start to feel. You might consider joining yoga classes, exploring mindfulness practices, or hitting the gym during your weekends. In addition to these suggestions, it’s essential to prioritize healthy eating. Dark chocolate is great for you!

Tip 3: Take Deep Breaths And Do Not Forget To Meditate

Learn how to quiet your mind through meditation. The process of meditating is challenging in the beginning but has several benefits in the mind and body. The first thing you need to do is to find the perfect place where you can relax – alleviate your anxiety and depression. After that, search for apps or songs that could help you practice meditation. Keep on doing it until you get used to the process. Once you stay connected with yourself by relaxing your body and mind, you’ll see a big difference.

“A 2018 study conducted by researchers at Mass General and Yale University shows that even brief amounts of meditation benefits cognitive performance and attention,” says Dr. Jamie Long PsyD. She is also practicing the same mindfulness exercise herself.

Take care of your body by managing your stress. Stress can be a big trigger for psychological health problems, so it’s important to find ways to relax and de-stress. Volunteer. Giving back to the community can make a big difference in how we feel about ourselves. Experiment. Try new things and step out of your comfort zone. Take care of your physical health. When our bodies are healthy, it’s easier for our minds to be healthy too. Lastly, do breathing exercises. It sounds simple, but taking a few deep breaths can really help to calm and relax us.

Tips To Boost Your Mental Health

Tip 4: Research Shows That Alcohol Increases Stress And Depression

Did you know that cigarettes and alcoholic beverages can contribute to mental well-being problems and pose significant health risks? It’s crucial to consider quitting these habits for the sake of your overall well-being. Seek support from your primary care provider or a healthcare professional to help you on the path to quitting. Exploring alternative ways to express yourself and cope with stress without relying on cigars or alcohol can lead to a healthier and happier lifestyle.

Tip 5: Find A Significant Passion for Focusing on And Can Work On

Having a dull day can make you feel upset at times. It sucks to keep on doing the same things over and over again. Do not stick to the usual so that you can avoid emotional and mental exhaustion. Whenever you think that everything has become routine, the best option to take is to find a new passion. Look for new interests and activities that will improve your overall well-being.

It’s important to find meaning in your walk of life and what you do. This can be a challenge, but it’s so important. Be grateful for what you have. It’s easy to focus on the negative, but when we take the time to appreciate the good in our lives, it can make a big difference. Build a community. Connect with others and build relationships. These connections are so important for our mental well-being. In addition, spend time with children. They remind us of the joy in life and how to have fun. Take advantage of psychological health services if you need them. There’s no shame in getting help from a professional.

Tips To Improve Your Self-Worth With Online Therapy

online therapy to improve mental health
Source: pixabay.com

“Therapy helps us to explore these deep desires and profound fears—and get past them, so we can create truly satisfying, fulfilling lives,” says Margarita Tartakovsky, M.S.

You need to be aware of the severity of the issues (stress, depression, etc.) in your life. If you feel that what you are going through is dangerous, maybe it is time to control your situation and reach out to a mental health professional. Online therapy is an excellent way to deal with psychological problems. Be sure that you take the necessary steps to find the solution to your questions. Do not keep yourself in the dark. Someone out there is more than willing to help you find the light.

Mental Health Last Notes

Always remember that your mental health and wellness must be a top priority. Because no one can save you more than yourself. Remember all the recommendations listed above so that you will achieve a happier you. Take it slow until you start feeling better about everything in your life.

“Everyone has the ability to develop more mental muscle. And while becoming stronger sometimes involves giving up the bad mental habits that hold you back, you can also build strength through the simple everyday choices you make,” says Amy Morin LCSW.

There are many things you can do to improve your mental health. One of the most important things is to take care of your senses. Spend time in nature and surround yourself with things that matter to you. Listening to calming sounds and music, and limiting your hours to news and social media help, too.

Moreover, make sure you get enough sleep, exercise regularly, and eat a healthy diet. If you have concerns about your mental well-being, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional for help. Talking about your difficulties and worries can be very helpful. There are also many online resources and hotlines you can refer to if you need someone to talk to.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are 5 ways to improve mental wellness?

How can I improve my mental well-being naturally?

What are 6 ways to maintain good cognitive health?

Which color is good for mental wellness?

What are the 5 signs of mental illness?

What foods help cognitive health?

What are good mental habits?

Which fruit is best for mental wellness?

What should be avoided in mental health?

What are 3 early warning signs of possible mental well-being problems?

What are 15 things you can do daily to improve your mental wellness?

What are 5 examples of good mental wellness?

What are positive mental habits?

What are the 7 habits for improving mental wellness?

How can I Improve my mood naturally?

How To Deal With A Husband Suffering From Chronic Pain

 

 

Source: healthywomen.org

 

Is your loved one suffering from chronic pain? Is his chronic illness affecting your relationship? Do you want to make things lighter between the two of you? If you answered yes to all these questions, then be sure to read this article from start to finish. Our team has created a roundup post containing several tips on how you can deal with someone who has a chronic illness.

 

  1. Learn About The Pain. This is the most important thing that you have to do. Take note that the pain that your loved one is going through is severe. You will never understand his reactions or conducts without learning more about his chronic pain. Because of this, you also need to have a relationship with the pain doctor. It is necessary to ask for updates on his medical condition so that you will know what to do.

“When pain is chronic, options become limited. However, there is still a lot one can do. This does not mean that the pain is non-existent or that everything is in our head. To clarify, we are talking about a neurological process that determine our reactions, but whose mechanism we can learn from and influence to our benefit,” says Ana Nogales, Ph.D.

  1. Know The Pain Intensity. As already mentioned above, each patient may have different levels of pain depending on the attending circumstance of each case. Most of the time, the pain will increase especially if the patient is not cooperating with the treatment or other medical procedures. The best way to do here is to develop a code wherein you could determine the level of pain that your partner is experiencing. Try to ask him about it on a regular basis.

 

  1. Help Him Exercise. Being physically active is a proven effective way of eliminating or decreasing pain. Therefore, your goal is to ensure that your spouse exercises regularly. Help him come up with a fitness schedule that he could follow for a given month. At the same time, accompany him in performing the exercise activities so that the experience would be more fun and enjoyable.

 

  1. Avoid Sensationalizing Everything. As a wife, it is only reasonable that you want to take the condition of your husband in a serious note. However, it is also essential that you keep in mind that your partner is already suffering too much. Do not make things more difficult by overreacting about everything. Instead, try to keep your calm and show him that you are handling the situation smartly. You can worry about his case but do not rattle him with your negative comments or emotions.

 

  1. Respect Boundaries. Do not easily get offended if the other person wants to be alone for a while. Avoid taking things personally and making a big deal out of it. As an alternative, try to increase your patience and understanding. Chronic pain offers a high level of discomfort on the part of the person involved. Because of this, he may opt to find some solitude. When this happens, let him be. The proper thing to do is to give him space and respect the boundaries.

“Encourage each other to find someone outside of your relationship to sound off to who will listen more than they talk, ask just enough questions to allow you to process your thoughts, be confidential and trustworthy with your deepest thoughts, and not judge you for your frustrations,” according to Sharrie Thompson, nurse and Reiki expert.

Source: healthdirect.org.au

 

Always put in mind that your partner is going through a difficult phase in his life. Be there for him no matter what happens. Do not give up because all your efforts will be worth it in the end.

And then, there’s therapy. Therapy “brings the benefit of a broader awareness to life, to not get wrapped up in a single way of living life, to explore healthy self-expression in ways that perhaps a person had been hiding from themselves,” said David Teachout, LMHCA, a psychotherapist.

 

How To Find The Right Pain Doctor?

 

Looking for the right pain doctor in your local community is not an easy thing to do. You need to be careful in choosing the professional who will help you with pain management issues and concerns. Take note that a relationship with the said doctor may last up to six months or even one year, depending on the type of pain that you are going through. Chronic illnesses can add discomfort and inconvenience in your life, which is why it is necessary to find a pain doctor whom you are comfortable with.

 

Source: bamapain.com

Below are some of the tips you need to remember:

  1. Ask For Referrals

Do you have a regular doctor who has handled all your medical cases in the past? If he has issued a finding that you suffering chronic pain is a possibility, make sure to ask for a referral from him. This person probably knows a lot of specialists in pain management. Tell him to refer you to one of them and ask for a referral slip.

The nice thing about a referral is that the pain doctor will entertain you right away, knowing that some other medical specialist sent you to him. At the same time, the transmission of records from your general physician will be smooth since he knows the other professional he referred you to.

 

  1. Talks To Friends

Aside from asking your general doctor about referrals, you can also try to get recommendations from friends. All you need to do is to find someone who has experience in suffering from chronic pain. It is better to get personal referrals so that you would have great leads to choose from. You can also ask some friends who know someone who has experience in dealing with a pain doctor.

The best thing about asking around is that you have a higher chance of getting a doctor that you can be comfortable with. It will be easier on your part to work with someone who has also handled the medical issue of your friends or even family members.

 

Source: st.depositphotos.com

 

  1. Conduct Your Research

Another great way to find the right medical pain specialist for you is to use online resources. Fortunately, there are already several websites containing essential and relevant information about pain management. Try to search for the available pain clinics in your area as well as the professionals composing its medical team. Do not neglect the reviews, testimonials, and comments posted by its previous clients.

There is a great need to read the feedbacks of these individuals so that you would be able to create a reasonable expectation about the clinic and doctor. Most importantly, make sure to verify the authenticity of the person posting the ratings before believing them. Do not be fooled by fake accounts.

Once you find the right pain doctor for you, be sure to stick with that professional. Always remember that choosing the perfect pain management specialist is essential. Do not take it for granted by taking your time in completing the process.

 

 

What Are The Psychological Impacts Of Chronic Pain?

 

Source: image.slidesharecdn.com

 

Chronic pain pertains to physical suffering, but most often than not, it also involves emotional distress. “Chronic pain also creates many stressors, which can lead to depression,” said Beverly Thorn, Ph.D. People who have chronic illnesses are more likely also to experience some psychological impacts brought about by their medical condition. Hence, everyone needs to be aware of the possible effects so that you would know how to address them appropriately. Check the enumeration below for the entire list:

 

Depression

A recent study shows that there is a connection between suffering from chronic pain and depression. “About 50 percent of people who have chronic pain also have depression,” according to Robert D. Kerns, Ph.D. Since a patient would regularly experience physical discomfort brought about by illness, one of the effects is a decrease in his functions. The existence of these limitations usually leads to sadness or grief. He would feel that he is already worthless, which can trigger depression. Unfortunately, when this depression is undiagnosed, the patient will suffer an increased level of pain.

“Depression is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. It has been estimated that 1 in 5 people will experience depression during their lifetimes. About 85 percent of people experiencing a first episode of depression will relapse within the next 10 years,” this alarming fact came from Melanie Greenberg Ph.D.

 

Source: californiaearthminerals.com

 

 

Social Stigma

A person with a chronic illness is also more likely to feel that he could not handle the pain any longer. Thus, there is a high possibility that he would withdraw from his relationships with other people. The feeling of embarrassment would drive him to choose to be alone than to be surrounded by people. This stigma is also a driving factor in a person’s refusal to undergo medical treatment or refusal to see a pain doctor.

 

 Guilt

A chronic pain patient also has a high tendency to experience guilt. Of course, people will always be there for him to help with all his medical needs. However, this assistance may be interpreted by the patients as discomfort on the part of other people. As such, he would be guilty every time he receives love and care from other individuals. In the long run, it would prevent the patient from asking for further help.

 

Source: socialpsychonline.com

 

Paranoia

When a person has a chronic illness, one of the negative emotions that he would feel is paranoia. As you probably know by now, a paranoid individual can overthink about his situation. Therefore, a paranoid chronic pain patient may end up feeling fears all the time. He would be frightened that his case will never get better. For this reason, he may choose just to give up medications because he believes that no matter what he does, his situation will never improve.

 

Sadness

This can be somehow related to the feeling of depression. Nonetheless, it is crucial to emphasize the fact that depression is more severe compared to sadness. However, if this sadness or grief continues for an extended period, it may develop to depression. When this happens, the patient may become have suicidal tendencies. This is the primary reason why such a patient needs to be reminded that many people care for him. He needs to feel that a lot of individuals are looking forward to an improvement in his situation.

Dealing with someone who has chronic pain is quite challenging. Do not make things harder for them by acting weird or imposing specific methods for treatment. Instead, assure them that things will get better soon.

 

Top Questions You Need To Ask Your Doctors

 

Source: lakesidemedicalcare.com

When you are suffering from chronic pain, the first thing that you need to do is to find the right pain doctor or pain coach who can help you handle the situation. It is necessary to note that a chronic illness can make you feel sorry for everything in your life. It will not only make you suffer physical pain but even negative emotions. There is a high tendency that you would always be in a bad mood and will drive people away.

As such, it is crucial to participate in all the activities that the pain doctor will conduct regarding your situation. As much as possible, avoid hiding or concealing material information from him, as it will only make the situation worse. At the same time, it can also lead to severe complications in your medical care. Below is a list of the top questions that you need to ask your pain doctor today:

 

Source: cdn.psychologytoday.com

“What Is Chronic Pain?”

This is the proper question to ask if you want to get some ideas about the causes and symptoms of the chronic illness that you are currently suffering from. Make sure that you have a full understanding of the situation. When this happens, it will be easier on your part to handle the issue. Moreover, you can quickly identify the possible cure or treatment for the said chronic pain.

 

“What Are The Treatment Options Available?”

After discussing the type of chronic pain, the next thing that you need to take into consideration is the list of available treatment options on your part. Of course, the goal of finding a pain doctor is for you to have an opportunity to handle the medical problem easily. Therefore, asking for the options that you can choose is crucial. Do not forget to ask your pain doctor about the advantages and disadvantages of each option.

 

 “How Long Will The Treatment Take?”

The length of time that you would work with a chronic pain doctor depends on different factors. Some patients may need only a month while others may need more than a year for pain treatment. To prepare yourself for this matter, it is highly recommended to ask your pain doctor as early as possible about the length of the potential engagement of his services. Take note that the duration that the pain doctor will tell you is only an estimate.

 

Source: mulher.org.pt

 

 “How Much Will It Cost?”

Asking about the cost of the treatment and services is the most important thing. Do not engage the doctor’s services without asking about his upfront fees and other hidden costs. Keep in mind that the functions of such a medical professional are expensive, which is why you need to prepare for it. Knowing the number of expenses ahead of time will help you work on a budget. Therefore, do not hesitate to inquire about money matters with your chosen pain doctor. Just remember that it is for your good.

The next time you pay a visit to your chosen pain specialist, be sure to ask the essential questions and clarifications presented above.

 

A Heartache Is A Real Pain

Source: publicdomainpictures.net

 

Have you ever wondered why breaking up with someone makes your chest area feel so tight that it literally hurts? When you call it quits with a person, you care for or maybe even love, the pain all over your body is too much. You will experience headaches, body aches, and your heart will literally feel this excruciating pain. It’s like as if your world has ended, and that there is no way to fix it and or make it better.

 

What People Do To Getting Rid Of Their Broken Heart (But To No Avail)

You watch Netflix or read stories in Episode. People drown their sorrows in social media or other internet websites to pass the time. Some consume large amounts of wine or beer, while others are over-exercise or clean the house until their hands bleed. No matter what you do, the pain in your heart is there. It does not go away quickly, and even if you cry so hard or scream so loud, the fact remains that your heart is broken.

 

Science Proves What Happens To The Body When One Experiences A Broken Heart

 

Source: pexels.com

  1. The brain will tell the body that it is hurting.

“Pain can accompany even necessary break-ups and emotional gains. While many of us may be relieved to see an unsatisfying relationships take its last gasp, some may feel acute pain when forced to acknowledge that a relationship or friendship has run its course,” says Suzanne Degges-White Ph.D.

When you break-up with your boyfriend or girlfriend or separate from your spouse (whom you still love), the pain is like no other. It’s like you’ve been physically sucker-punched and at times, while it’s still new, you will be hyperventilating. A psychologist terms this pain as “social rejection” and it is a real pain.

 

  1. It is highly probable that you will get fat or thin because the body will want to eat less or overeat.

 

You will be very sad because of what happened, and it’s understandable. And because you’re feeling that way, your mind will want to binge-eat or won’t like to eat much at all. It is terrible because overeating or under eating is not healthy. The body will experience headaches and stomach pains due to behavior.

 

  1. After a break-up, your body will release stress hormones.

 

Well, naturally, that is the case! When a person is so much in love, the body will release “happy” hormones called oxytocin and dopamine. In opposite, if the person is heartbroken, the body will release stress hormones called cortisol and epinephrine. When there is an abundance of cortisol in the system, the muscles will tense up and swell. It causes head pains, stiff neck, and that choking feeling.

 

  1. Depression is inevitable and expected.

“Depression is not a weakness of character, laziness, or a phase. Only one out of four individuals [with depression] seeks treatment. The reason more don’t go for psychotherapy or medication is stigma. They worry they’ll be labeled, deemed undesirable, and other such things,” says Deborah Serani PsyD.

Source: pixabay.com

 

Upon breaking up with your loved one, you will experience a sudden decline in your self-esteem. If you have self-image problems, it is two times as likely to initiate a depressed state compared to other issues. If you are depressed, your head will hurt a lot.

 

Again, the matter is about rejection, and how your ex-lover rejected you and wanted to move on without you. There was a study about this one conducted by scientists from Virginia Commonwealth University.

 

  1. Love is your drug; therefore, there will be a withdrawal.

 

After a break-up, you will experience “withdrawal.” It is reasonable considering love is your drug, and you’re an addict to it. Withdrawal from anything will manifest many types of body pains. The problem is not just emotional. It is also physical.

 

While it may seem that sulking and locking in your bedroom while eating a tub of Ben and Jerry’s is the best therapy for a broken heart, it’s really not. Put your sneakers on and some casual clothes. Apply lipstick (for girls), or shave your beard (for guys), then take a walk. It’s better to heal doing things that will uplift your spirit rather than sleeping, eating and moping around.

“As the grieving process progresses you will begin to see your way through to a point at which you can let go in a more proactive and self-protective way—a way that you may eventually come to understand as a new beginning,” says Suzanne Lachmann Psy.D. when explaining about the grieving process of a break up.

Is Your Husband Suffering From Chronic Pain?

In the United States, chronic pain is considered as one of the major causes of disability in many persons. As early as now, it is significant to highlight the fact that chronic pain pertains to several disorders. This means that there are different kinds of chronic pain that a particular individual may suffer.

“We all know that it is unpleasant to live with pain. What we don’t know, however, is how to manage our pain. We try to avoid pain, but we don’t always do it in the most appropriate way,” says Ana Nogales, Ph.D.

Source: pixabay.com

 

Continue reading “Is Your Husband Suffering From Chronic Pain?”

Emotional Pain: How To Deal With It

 

 

Source: pixabay.com

 

In life’s journey, you often encounter situations that result in emotional pain. “Emotional pain can become an addiction to some people. Overwhelmed with feelings like sadness, depression, guilt, shame or fear, these emotions become so common and constant that you may feel like it’s a part of you and you can’t imagine life without it,” according to Elizabeth Hartney, PhD.

In his book, Emotional First Aid, Guy Winch, a blogger from Psychology Today, lists seven such cases and provides tips on how to deal with them.

The first situation is rejection. It is natural to feel pain when a family member stops talking to you or your friends start ignoring you. Winch suggests four tips. First, stop criticizing yourself. Second, be aware of your strengths. Third, search for other people to replace the ones who rejected you. Last, prepare yourself for upcoming rejections by practicing on minor rejections that are easily surmounted.

The second situation is the loneliness. Loneliness can be a vicious cycle wherein the longer you go without socializing with others, the harder it is to make new friends or keep in touch with old friends. If you believe that no one cares about you or that other people are thinking negatively of you, Winch suggests you fight that belief with logical counterarguments. Winch also suggests practicing empathy, such as getting a pet that you can care for.

Source: pixabay.com

 

The third situation is loss and trauma. It is perfectly normal to feel suffering when you lose someone you love or when you have a traumatic experience. Winch suggests that you give yourself time to heal and to try to ease the pain using your usual coping methods. Try searching some additional helpful tips at BetterHelp if this doesn’t work.

The fourth situation is guilt. Winch lists three kinds of guilt. There’s unresolved guilt wherein you feel that you have not adequately apologized to someone you have wronged. Then there’s survivor guilt wherein you survive a situation that has one or more other fatalities. And finally there’s separation guilt wherein you believe you don’t deserve an independent and successful life. For unresolved guilt, Winch recommends that you apologize. For survivor and separation guilt, Winch advises that you apologize to yourself and then to forgive yourself.

The fifth situation is rumination. Rumination happens when you mentally go over and over your unhappy memories. Winch recommends that you tell yourself that other people do not see your mistakes in the same magnitude as you do. What seems to be a significant failure on your part might seem minor to others, or they may not even be aware of it. Winch also recommends distracting yourself and turning your mind to other thoughts. If you are angry at someone, try to see the positive side. If someone is insulting you or putting you down, view their words as constructive criticism and try to use them as opportunities for self-improvement. Work on healing yourself for your own betterment.

“I can recognize that I have the strength, resilience, and value to heal this hurt over time. I will stay true to my deepest values, focus on creating more value in my life, reach out to friends and other loved ones, recognize human frailty in my spouse and in myself, evaluate my options for a better future.” These words were uttered by Steven Stosny, Ph.D. for you to move on and heal.

The sixth situation is a failure. Emotional pain can result from shame due to breakdowns. Anxiety can also result from a fear of failure. Fear of making a mistake can even result in actual self-fulfilling failure. Winch’s recommendation is to talk to some close to you. They can provide emotional support and help you see the situation in a brighter light. For fear of failure, Winch suggests distracting yourself and using humor to cope with real or imagined shortcomings.

 

Source: pixabay.com

 

And the seventh situation is low self-esteem. Having low esteem can be a vicious cycle lowering your self-esteem even further. It makes you vulnerable to other people’s criticisms. It makes you doubt your abilities leading to your inadequate performance in your activities. Winch’s recommendations for the different situations that result in emotional pain can be used to deal with low self-esteem but in greater quantity. This includes being compassionate to yourself and focusing on your strengths. Be open about what you can and can’t do. Winch also recommends that you practice mindfulness, exercise willpower, and admit to yourself that you will fail sometimes.

Winch’s tips and recommendations can be categorized as cognitive-behavioral therapy, wherein changes in thoughts and behavior result in changes in one’s emotions. But if Winch’s strategies do not work, you should seek help from a mental health professional. As Elyssa Barbash Ph.D. said, “These people want to feel healthy and be free from distress, so they are more willing to actively engage in therapy in order to make changes.”

Most of the situations people encounter that result in emotional pain can be dealt with using Winch’s suggestions. You can use these strategies to prevent you from wallowing in emotional distress.