Pain and Mental Health
often go hand in hand
The Link between
Mental Health Conditions and Chronic Pain
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a complex illness. People with Fibromyalgia often suffer for years before they actually receive their diagnosis. Symptoms include chronic widespread pain, muscle tenderness, fatigue, problems with sleep, sensitivities to light, sound, temperature, and noise. Prior to recieving a correct diagnosis, Fibromyalgia sufferers are often told their symptoms are "all in their head" or that they are "being dramatic". We know this is not the case. Some doctors have even dismissed patients' complaints of symptoms and referred them to a mental health providers without providing the appropriate medical care for their condition.
At Comfy Couch Therapy and Wellness, we understand that Fibromyalgia is a real illness that significantly impacts the lives of those who suffer with it. Fibromyalia impacts the family as a whole. We provide a unique understanding of the condition and its impact on daily life including the pain, fatigue, mobility issues, difficulties working, difficulties completing daily tasks, and the accompanied impact on mental health including PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
Autoimmune Conditions
Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, MS, Crohns and other various autoimmune diseases are prevalent in the United States, yet these disorders have received little national attention until recently. The result is an undereducated public on autoimmune conditions. This makes it all the more difficult for those whom suffer from such conditions. Many individuals that suffer from one of these disorders also suffers from another autoimmune disorder and/or fibromyalgia. Individuals with these complex array of symptoms often report these conditions are exacerbated by many external factors such as stress and weather.
These types of pain and inflammatory disorders can result in symptoms such as panic attacks, widespread pain, depression, and grief. Clients often are not born with these diseases and they develop later in their teens or adulthood. They experienced life without these symptoms and are grieving the loss of freedom from pain, medication side effects, frequent doctor visits, and limited ability to complete activities they once enjoyed. They also wonder what life would have been like for them if they had not had to bare such a complicated existence.
Other Chronic Pain Conditions
Clients may also experience chronic pain due to injury, osteoarthritis, or other medical conditions. Chronic pain is a well known risk factor for depression and suicide. It is important to see a therapist who not only understands mental health and wellness, but also how much chronic pain and mental health influence each other. The mind and body work together. It is important that mental health treatment includes all aspects of an individual or family including all chronic medical conditions.