Mental health

[Lobo1967]

I need to know , is it possible having chronic pain and get better for anxiety and depression cause by the condition, I'm suffering from lower back pain , hip pain , shoulder pain at a 4 to 5 on an s scale of 0 to 10. I'm have slot of negative thoughts about my future and feelings very scare. I'm not having any treatment only few visits to pain management that refer me to physio , I'm really having difficulties to with anxiety an depression. Any advice will be welcome. Thanks

[SueJohnson]

Wellbutrin and trazodone are safe for depression. Buspar is safe for anxiety. Trazodone also helps anxiety.

[LotteM]

Get some good help (CBT cognitive behavioural therapy) from a psychologist or psychotherapist specialised in chronic pain. Always better to try this first instead of taking pills with their own effect and side effects. .

[J_J_758 in reply to LotteM]

Couldn’t agree more, Ian 6sessiins in to High level CBT (social anxiety) and it has been so helpful and comforting to me even just to have the hr a week to vent in a safe space. I’m also trying to manage chronic pain and I completely emphasize with your feelings of fear.

Best wishes 💛

[J_J_758 in reply to J_J_758]

Empathize 🙄

[Jumpey]

Hi, I'm sorry you are suffering. I think it may be helpful for you to read Alan Gordon's book The Way Out ( Heal Chronic Pain). He runs a pain psychology centre.I found it useful.Good luck.

[SleeplessinNC]

I am having similar challenges. And some really scary low moods too. It’s been a struggle finding a pain therapist. I have no answers or advice; just know that you are not alone. 😊

[Eryl]

Taking medicines to alleviate the symptoms isn't going to stop the damage. Many of the things that cause chronic diseases also cause mental problems and that's diet. This is long but comprehensive: youtu.be/wyOPFWqbxyE?si=b_j...(Not working as expected?)

[DicCarlson in reply to Eryl]

Lots of diet for mental health interest lately. Her book from video above (Georgia Ede, MD, Change your Diet Change your mind) is only $2.99 on Kindle. I would also suggest Brain Energy by Dr. Chris Palmer. Both use Ketogenic diets to reverse some crippling mental health issues.

[Fingerandus in reply to Eryl]

HI Eryl this is so true carbs gluten sugar addatives maltodextrin msg all these things should be avoided and any inflammatery foods i have celiac gene also periphial neuropathy my feet and legs are on fire at night my pain is unbearable i have to walk i cant sleep with my RLs im at my wits end i cant even get codiene now but i am talking to a sleep management doctor online due again 8th thing is this is the 3rd time and i still have no ease from my pain blood tests say my iron is ok and now he suggests magnesium which i have been taking forever i also take vit b complex and i was low on vit d non of which work for RLS he says he can put me on a low dose opiate but no prescription as yet i wish you all good luck in finding a cure do try diet it does ease them if you can keep it up it is difficult xxxeverything nice is banned

[J_J_758 in reply to Fingerandus]

Really helpful info in your message. I’m sorry you’re not getting the support you deserve/need. It is cruel 😡

[Eryl in reply to Fingerandus]

And most people don't realise the scale of damage that refined seed oils can do.

[Rameau]

In the past I have found help from a British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (bacp) member. Their website allows you to search for someone with the appropriate skills and experience in your area.

[Munroist]

Is the pain related to RLS or is it chronic all the time? I agree with those who recommend CBT and non medication approaches to managing and living with pain but I have also had experience of pregabalin for a year or so which helped reduce anxiety and come to terms with the neuropathic pain and symptoms I was experiencing from a lower back/disc/nerve issue. I came off pregabalin and am glad I did but it helped with the transition from fighting pain to understanding and managing it. I find meditation helps with accepting my situation and associated anxiety and I actually find I can do almost everything I want, even though the underlying issues are still there.

[Ticki]

I can’t agree with you more, hon besides the agony of constant motion and horrible feelings with the intensity of this condition takes your mental health for a horrific ride and I’ve been on it most of my life, so I understand .it’s because of these groups that I’ve hung on because we’re not alone after all, so you just stick with everybody here and they’ll get you through this❤️‍🩹

[J_J_758 in reply to Ticki]

Hear hear 💛

[shivermytimbers]

From the mental health side of things, consider, as others have said, CBT, in particular Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT). Look up Albert Ellis. Try to get some of his recordings from The Albert Ellis Institute. He's written loads of books. Also, read up on dealing with chronic pain. It has a large psychological aspect attached to it. How you describe the pain and the impact it has on your life actually makes the pain worse. So this is a component that you are in control of and can get rid of.

And maybe read up on the Stoic, Epictetus. One of Ellis' big heroes.

Make dealing with this a hobby.

Keep off meds for depression and anxiety. CBT is the modern way to go.

And consider you might have arthritis. Has anybody diagnosed arthritis? Well, people tend to shy away from the pain of arthritis whereas what is needed is actually exercise - daily walking and slow stretching of the affected limb (not at the same time!), where you hold the stretch. Don't bounce. The internet is your friend. Just type in arthritis & the name of the affected limb and PDF.

While I'm here, for your lower back just sit in a chair and bend down slowly until you touch your toes. Notice the stretch and HOLD it for 10 seconds. Do it a few times. Don't push too hard. Dont be competitive. And absolutely NO BOUNCING. Stop if you feel strong pain. See how you feel the following day. Over time increase the duration of the stretch up to 30 secs and the number of reps. Do it every day. And don't be in a hurry. I do it every day. For arthritis in my sacrum. Works a treat. Only do if you think the problem is arthritis.

You could try Tai Chi Chuan. I find it good for mental and physical well being. Great for arthritis. I'm hoping it'll help with RLS. Not yet though as I'm a beginner. It might help to while away the small hours.

Good luck n let us know how you get on.