One of the things that drives me to want to see multi-intervention Resource Centers for chronic pain sufferers and recovering sufferers is that depression is so often a partner with pain. It is well documented that chronic pain sufferers often spiral into depression creating a much more complicated health situation compounding their diseases and treatments.
The professional communities solutions of surgery, physical therapy and medications are only a portion of the answers. Patients need to feel supported through their journey. And that may require several resources. Such as:
A “Pain Pal”, someone who has been there and understands how pain can undermine your life.
Healing mind body therapies like healing touch, massage and cranial sacral to help reintegrate your body parts.
Stimulating activities, like art and writing workshops, that teach new skills to keep your mind engaged and take the focus off the pain.
Adaptive yoga and exercise programs that keep muscles engaged and strong, but do not aggravate the pain.
Pain management counseling to assure that the pain is kept in check and does not overwhelm the individual.
The following is a link to a Health Blog that has a formal discussion about depression and states that women are twice as likely to suffer a depression than men. It also lists several posts that deal with examining interventions like massage therapy, homeopathy, and what current research reflects.
My prayer is that those of us who understand the complexities of pain keep dialoguing with peers and professionals so that we can broaden our understanding of “pain” from the inside out. And that we can improve the amount of available interventions for all those on this journey. Be well.
Mary Byrne Eigel 