We all must have experienced Chronic pain at some point of time in our lives. When we feel on the ground or when there is a wound in our body or even during muscle pull we experience the sensation of pain however when the body heals the injury in some time, our pain is gone.

Chronic pain is not the similar pain that we experience after every wound.

Sometimes the pain after the injury continues for weeks, months, or even years. Such prolonged pain after the injury is known as chronic pain. As per doctors, chronic pain lasts for about 3 to 6 months. It might extend beyond that. It’s really difficult to live and adjust to the pain. It hampers our day-to-day activities. It impacts our well-being and mental health.

Psychological effects of Chronic Pain

Some of the major psychological effects of chronic pain are discussed below:-

• Feeling depressed – pain makes it difficult to socialize. It makes you more isolated and withdrawn from your loved ones. You wish to interact with your friends and family but your pain holds you back. This makes you feel sad. You experience a loss of interest in pleasurable activities.

Pain makes it difficult to concentrate. You might feel worthless and guilty as you are struggling even with daily activities and find yourself incompetent. All these symptoms are also the symptoms of major depression.

• Insomnia – Sleeping also became difficult when you are experiencing pain. Seven to nine hours of sleep is strongly recommended by doctors for healthy living and in pain, it’s difficult to get sufficient hours of sleep. Inadequate sleep can also trigger other mental disorders.

• Anxiety – When you are in pain, you are also concerned and worried about your pain. This worry results in anxiety. You also worry about the medical expenses happening because of your chronic pain. As you are struggling to perform well in your job because of your pain so these other concerns along with pain triggers more anxiety. You start being fearful about your future.

• Fatigue – You might feel tired even after taking proper rest because of chronic pain. Resting makes things worse. Even walking seems like running for long hours. You feel exhausted almost throughout the day.

How Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) help to manage chronic pain?

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy is a kind of talk therapy. It enables the person to develop adequate coping skills to deal with chronic pain. It helps to change the negative thoughts associated with chronic pain which is making the situation look more serious and worse. It helps the person to see the current situation from a positive framework. It also changes negative behaviours. As pain causes stress so through CBT the individuals also learn how to handle stress developed because of chronic pain.

it not only impacts you physically but also mentally hence it is recommended to seek a therapist when you are going through chronic pain. It will help you develop the necessary coping skills to deal with the situation.

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