Chronic pain a toll on mental health
Over 100 million people in America are diagnosed with chronic pain, more than cancer and heart disease combined. That’s about 30% of the population. And chronic pain and mental health are closely intertwined. A vast majority of patients dealing with chronic pain are also suffering from a declined mental well-being due to the diagnosis and persistent pain.
Imagine hurting all the time and not having a way to cure it — that can take a serious toll on mental health. And imagine not being able to have treatment for your mental health readily available. THAT is a problem. And it’s a problem that many Oklahomans face when battling chronic pain. But there is a simple solution — having on-site mental health care as part of the treatment of chronic pain.
Pain management clinics can treat symptoms and provide some physical relief. However, they cannot treat the emotional toll that chronic pain takes on a person. It is my opinion that all pain management clinics should have an on-site mental health provider to address those patients who are struggling with mental health as it relates to their diagnosis. Having access to mental health care can greatly increase patient outcomes when it comes to treatment.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (think changing the way your mind processes information) can help patients find ways to cope with chronic pain and increase positive outcomes in care. If a clinic cannot have an on-site mental health provider, why not have a social worker on staff ? Social workers are trained to increase well-being of clients they serve and are able to discuss struggles with patients, referring them to appropriate levels of care.
So, when looking for a pain management clinic, be sure to ask if they have on-site mental health services, and if not, why not? If you are struggling with mental health along with your chronic pain, know that you are not alone and there is help. Ask your provider to assist with a referral to a mental health provider trained in cognitive behavioral therapy so you can treat your body and mind.
— Lora Adams, Yukon