|
|
|
The following is my based on my opinion and experience. If you are experiencing depression it is important that you talk to your doctor about it. If you are reading this you are either someone experiencing the depression caused by chronic pain or are trying to understand a loved ones depression from it. This depression is more the norm then not when it comes to people dealing with chronic pain. When you get your first back ache you figure, no big deal. Some rest, ice, maybe physical therapy and life will go on. Usually people with back and neck problems are fairly active and this first back or neck ache just means taking it easy for a little while, no big deal. Most people are lucky enough to fall into the category where the problem will correct itself in two or three months at the longest. Then, there are the other 5-10%. As the months or years go by with the various doctor's appointments and physical therapy appointments and trying this gel or that medication you may start to feel frustration or anger that your life is being slowed down so much for so long. You used to do so much and now it's a struggle just to get to work or run your normal errands. There may be people in your life who don't understand your situation - a boss or friend or even a loved one. It may now be time for your first procedure, an injection or laminectomy. You are still positive about beating this pain, but may find yourself slipping into a little sadness here or there, then kicking yourself because things aren't so bad, why can't you just be stronger and beat this thing? This may be your first taste of the depression that can go hand in hand with chronic pain. Depression can be brought on by many different things. Not being as active as you used to be, trying to carry on with your life as you deal with the constant pain, and the medications you may be taking are all things that can trigger depression and I am sure there are many others. The best thing you can do for yourself is be honest about it. Talk about the things you miss doing or how hard it is to do the things you used to do without even thinking about it. Talk to loved ones, your doctor, find one of the wonderful message boards on-line where you can talk with people who are going through the same thing you are, or join a group of people dealing with depression. For me, the biggest step in learning to deal with the depression was understanding I wasn't alone and it wasn't unusual. Exercising is another way to help with the depression. Some of you are probably thinking, 'Ya, right'. There are ways to exercise that won't irritate your condition. You can speak to your doctor about your options, and mention pool therapy to him or her. When you exercise your body produces endorphins that not only help with the depression but can actually help with the pain. Just moving around more can make you feel better. Plus, building up those muscles will relieve stress from the spine which can also help alleviate some of the pain. Realizing that your life isn't the same but can still be good is another way to help with that heavy sadness. I won't be able to go horseback riding or on roller coasters anymore but I will be able to go hiking or traveling. For everything you realize you may have to give up find something you can do in its place. There are also medications that your doctor can give you that will help the depression. They have come a long way in understanding the physiological reasons for depression and do have some wonderful medications to help. I hope my rambling has, at the very least, helped you know you are not alone. Please go to some of the other links listed on the TidBits page under depression for more information and be sure to start talking about how you are feeling.
|
|
The Surgery:The Week Before * The Day Before * The Day Of * In The Hospital * Going Home * Let's Talk Pain * Home Again! Other Areas:Created and Maintained by Leslie Davidson.
|