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Non Drug Pain Management Ideas: Pain and Mood Disorders

If you are a chronic pain sufferer, you are well aware of the impact that being in pain has on your moods every day.  If you are a person who battles depression or anxiety, you know that when you are in pain, trying to tackle both issues makes putting on your best face a lot more challenging. The lack of sleep, the battle of dealing with discomfort that comes and goes when you least expect it, or doesn't go away...just all seems to takes its toll on your self-esteem, your sense of humor, despite all attempts to keep a positive demeanor. In a nutshell, when both of these problems occur together, they both become worse. Ughhhh...

That being said, do not fear.  There is help for you! Here are some therapies you might like to consider.  You may need to combine remedies for best results:

  • Counseling with a psychiatrist or psychologist.  
  • Group therapy may also be of value.
  • Antidepressant medications, especially SNRIs or tricyclic types
  • Strategies to reduce stress: exercise, meditation, distraction techniques, etc. as mentioned in my earlier posts.  You might have more/better ideas than I do...go for it!
  • Biofeedback
  • Deep breathing techniques
Stay tuned...I have many more things to share with you!


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