Pain, whether physical, emotional, or psychological has a profound impact on every aspect of life. Its effects can be far-reaching, influencing not only immediate experiences but also long-term relationships, mental health, and overall well-being.
Not long ago I walked away from a workout with an intense pain in my lower back. In hindsight, I did not use proper form in taking a weight off a piece of equipment. The immediate effect of that pain was limits to my mobility for a month.
Pain can inhibit movement and reduce one’s ability to perform daily tasks or engage in physical activities. Although I have not experienced chronic pain, the month I did have that pain limited my daily productivity. My pain gradually got better giving hope where the pain went away.
Pain and/or emotional discomfort is often associated with mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and stress. The constant challenge of managing pain can lead to feelings of helplessness and frustration. The reality that comes with not being able to do what you were able to accomplish previously takes a toll.
Persistent pain whether it is coming back from an injury or chronic pain can erode emotional stability, leading to mood swings and a decreased ability to handle stress and adversity. The shift in emotional stability can result in depression, more so if the pain’s intensity is too much to bear.
Pain, in the moment is all consuming as it can affect concentration, memory, and overall cognitive function, making it difficult to focus on tasks or engage in complex problem-solving. Plus, any decision making is clouded by needing relief from the moment. What can be done to help with the management of the pain?
As hard as it is, reach out to other people. If you have a family, participate in family events and gatherings. The same with friends, reach out to friends and instead of dumping how you are feeling, ask how they are doing. This exercise will get your mind off yourself, at least for a small while and may give you a broader perspective than focusing on yourself.
None of this is going to make the pain go away. Reaching out to other people, attempting to enjoy hobbies and getting any work done is a step in managing an ongoing life where there is no “stop” button. Often, the cure for either pain or something uncomfortable is learning daily management.
The past month I have been in occupational therapy for my right leg in which there is a notable limp. What has been great is I have learned some exercises that have been showing results. Learning those exercises is not going to help me long term. What will help me is consistently doing my part of doing these exercises three times a week.
If you are looking for a therapist near you then a Google search is a great way of finding one. I happen to be a therapist in Charlotte, NC but am licensed to counsel anyone in the state of North Carolina. In Google, try looking for “psychotherapist,” “find therapist,” “therapy near me,” or even “counseling charlotte, nc.” If you feel like you have hit a wall you are not able to get past, call me at (704) 458-6298 or email me at jeffhelms@clearerthoughtspllc.com.
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