Bones, joints, and muscles

Depression and back pain

Margaret McCraw, PhD
www.losethebackpain.com

Have you been in a funk, not understanding the reason for your bad moods and lack of energy? Are you isolating yourself from others because you never know how you will feel from moment to moment? Have you noticed that friends and family members have backed away from spending time with you? Is living from day to day becoming more and more of a burden, with no light in sight? If you have answered yes to any of these questions, you may be experiencing a medical illness known as depression.

Chronic pain and depression are two of the most common problems encountered by health professionals encounter, yet only a small percentage of studies have investigated the relationship between these conditions (Currie and Wang, 2004).

There are key differences between chronic pain and acute pain. The nervous system processes chronic pain differently that acute or "immediate" pain. Acute pain occurs as a result of an incident or event (e.g., you fall down the steps and sprain your ankle). Chronic or long-term pain happens over time and wears on the individual physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually, often with no end in sight, causing the individual to feel more and more pessimistic.

The first step in changing pessimistic thought patterns and associated emotions is to understand what you are going through when experiencing a depression. The good news is you have the ability to make changes that will affect the way you feel and experience life on a day-to-day basis. Are you ready to release the depression and re-experience having fun, laughter and pleasure with your family and friends? Of course you are, so read on to begin shifting your life in an upward and more positive direction.

What is a depressive disorder?

A depressive disorder is an illness that involves the whole person; mind, body, spirit and emotions. It affects the way a person perceives himself as well as his perceptions of the world, resulting in pessimism, hopelessness, sadness and often times, anxiety.

Common myths about depression

Depression…

• is a personal weakness
• reflects laziness or unwillingness to actively participate in life
• is a diagnosis that is untreatable and incurable

These myths are unfounded and represent the opposite of the truth about depression.

What is the personal impact of depression?

Depression…

• often causes insomnia, leading to fatigue, and agitation
• often leads to social isolation
• can lead to job dysfunction, causing financial difficulties
• coupled with chronic back pain may cause gastrointestinal distress
• can create memory and concentration difficulties
• can cause a lack of interest in sexual activity

Are you depressed?

It is important to understand that depression and sadness are different. The death of a loved one, loss of a relationship, termination of a job, including retirement, will cause us to feel sad. Grief is a normal response to these situations. Individuals experiencing challenging times will often remark that he or she feels depressed. However, sadness, grief and depression are not the same. Feelings of sadness and grief will lessen with time while depression can continue for months and years, if untreated.

Does this seem like you?

Read the following list and put a check mark next to each symptom that you are experiencing.

• I am really sad most of the time.
• I don't enjoy doing the things I've always enjoyed doing.
• I have difficulty sleeping at night.
• I often feel fatigued.
• Getting up in the morning is challenging.
• I feel better as the day goes on compared to when I first awoke.
• My eating habits have changed. Generally, I eat more than usual or I eat less than usual.
• I have very little, if any, sexual energy.
• I am very forgetful throughout the day.
• I find it hard to focus on the simple things of life. Even counting change has become challenging.
• I often feel angry.
• I feel anxious, and fearful with no apparent reason.
• I prefer to stay alone rather than socialize.
• I feel pessimistic about life in general and am not sure I want to continue living.
• I feel disappointed in myself.
• I feel bad (physically and emotionally) most of the time.
• I have thoughts about my death.
• I think about how I might kill myself.

If you checked any of these boxes, call your doctor.

Note: Source for list - National Institute of Mental Health/NIMH (some revisions)

How is depression treated?

Medicine: It may require several weeks before antidepressants take effect and you begin to feel better.

Talk therapy: Talk therapy helps you change the way you think, feel and behave to support you in feeling better.

Following are some tips for day-to-day living while moving through depression.

• Set reasonable goals for yourself.
• Set priorities; do what you can.
• Break large tasks into small ones.
• Take everything at your own pace.
• Stay connected with others.
• Take walks and exercise if acceptable to your physician.
• Shift pessimistic thinking to hopeful thoughts.

Where can I get help?

Dr. Margaret McCraw, Institute of Vibrational Synchronicity (IVS)
www.margaretmccraw.com/counseling.htm
(877) 366-9111

National Mental Health Association
www.nmha.org
(703) 684-7722

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
www.nimh.nih.gov
(866) 615-6464

National Alliance for the Mentally (NAMI)
www.nami.org
(800) 950-6264

© 2006 by Margaret McCraw, Ph.D., author of Tune Into Love