The vicious cycle of pain and depression

Some form of pain, like unexplained headaches, could be the first or only sign of depression. Photo: AFP

Pain and depression are closely related. Depression can cause pain, and pain can cause depression.

Sometimes, pain and depression create a vicious cycle in which pain worsens the symptoms of depression, then the resulting depression worsens the feelings of pain.

In many people, depression causes unexplained physical symptoms such as back pain or headaches.

This kind of pain may be the first or only sign of depression.

Pain and the problems it causes can wear you down over time and affect your mood.

Chronic pain causes a number of problems that can lead to depression, such as trouble sleeping and stress.

Disabling pain can cause low self-esteem due to work, legal or financial issues.

Depression doesn’t just occur with pain resulting from an injury.

It’s also common in people who have pain linked to a health condition such as diabetes or heart disease.

To get symptoms of pain and depression under control, you may need separate treatment for each condition.

However, some treatments may help with both.

For example, antidepressant medications may relieve both pain and depression because of shared chemical messengers in the brain.

Talk therapy, also called psychological counselling (psychotherapy), can be effective in treating both conditions.

Other strategies like stress-reduction techniques, physical activity, exercise, meditation, journaling and coping skills, may also help.

Pain rehabilitation programmes provided by medical centres typically provide a team approach to treatment, including medical and psychiatric aspects.

Treatment for co-occurring pain and depression may be most effective when it involves a combination of treatments.

If you have pain and depression, get help before your symptoms worsen.

You don’t have to be miserable. Getting the right treatment can help you start enjoying life again. – Mayo Clinic News Network/Tribune News Service