Statistics reveal that approximately 1 in 5 Australian adults with chronic pain also experience depression and other mood disorders, which is 4 times the rate for people without pain.
In 2022, Pain Australia reported this to be nearly 1.45million people.
In addition to this, people with chronic pain are reported to experience higher levels of psychological distress.
Without a doubt, chronic pain is comorbid with mood disorders, increased anxiety and also other health conditions. It rarely is stand alone. Yet despite the amount of people who live with chronic pain, there continues to be a lack of awareness of how to support people with chronic pain and the mental health impact, beyond taking pain killers and antidepressants.
Over the last two decades, my experiences with chronic pain have varied. All my conditions are seemingly invisible. For example, chronic pain, fibromyalgia, neuralgia, endometriosis and the list goes on. During this time, I’ve seen GP’s, rheumatologist, specialists, attended pain clinics in which all have tried to prescribe me with different types of pain killers, antidepressants, nerve blockers and even a long term dose of antibiotics… all in an attempt to remove the pain. The appointments have been costly and not sustainable. Whilst the pain relief was welcomed at some points, they subsequently caused other issues within the body. Whilst prescription medication have their benefits, prolong use can be detriment to the impact and functioning of the body, often resulting in further issues.
The lack of sensitivity from some of these practitioners was also felt, often causing me to feel like I was broken or that something was fundamentally wrong with me or conversely, that I was the problem and that it was all in my head. I often walked away feeling even more defeated and hopeless.
The complexity about chronic pain and its impact on one’s mental health needs attention. We need to create awareness of how chronic pain impacts and creates changes to the brain, not simply gaslit people for their experience.
Below highlights 4 points on how chronic pain can impact the functioning of not only the body but the brain.
1. Chronic pain is proven to change and alter your brain and in turn your personality. Recent studies showed that people with chronic pain experience disruptions in the communication between brain cells. It also noted that people with chronic pain have smaller amounts of glutamate which is responsible for regulating thoughts and emotions.
2. The circuits for both pain and emotion overlap in the brain. Emotions such as guilt, shame etc which carry a lower emotional frequency can contribute and cause even more pain within the body and in some cases, make it worse. Conversely, reframing one’s mindset and expressing gratitude is reported to positively influence one’s experience in pain.
3. The two neurotransmitters that contribute to pain signalling in both the brain and nervous system are serotonin and norepinephrine. These two are also implicated in both anxiety and depression.
4. With chronic pain, anxiety can be both a cause and effect.” Simply the anticipation of the experience of pain (anxiety) can cause further pain within the body.
Although there seems to be further attention regarding the gender pain gap, there continues to be a lack of priority around chronic pain and its impact.
What next?
When client’s have an understanding of why they may be experiencing increased symptoms of anxiety and depression, when they are heard and acknowledged, when they are guided and supported, it allows their nervous system and in turn, brain, to feel supported and heard. It also allows them to take great understanding that it isn't in their head. It also gives them power.
After struggling with this for decades, I have created a new guide to help you take ownership of your mindset with worksheets and prompts that you can do in your own time.
Additional resources below.
https://neura.edu.au/news-media/media-releases/new-discovery-how-chronic-pain-changes-your-brain-and-personality#:~:text=The%20study%20by%20Associate%20Professor,for%20regulating%20thoughts%20and%20emotions.
https://centerforpainfargo.com/education/the-relationship-between-chronic-pain-and-anxiety/#:~:text=Pain%20is%20an%20indication%20of,anticipation%20or%20fear%20of%20danger.
https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/managing-pain/understanding-pain/pain-brain-connection#:~:text=Scientists%20say%20the%20more%20the,aching%20knee%20day%20after%20day.
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If you enjoyed reading this, please let me know or to review my other resources, including the release of my new book "Breaking the Rules of Pain".
© Amie Rule ~ 2024
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