The Strong Link Between Chronic Pain and Mental Health
The Strong Link Between Chronic Pain and Mental Health
Living with chronic pain can be exhausting. It affects your body, your mood, and your daily life. What many people don’t realize is that chronic pain and mental health are closely connected. According to Dr. Jedd Audry, a psychiatry and pain medicine physician with MyMichigan Health, pain and mental health often work together in the brain.
Understanding this connection can help people feel more in control of their pain and more hopeful about the future.
How Pain and Mental Health Are Connected
Chronic pain and mental health share the same pathways in the brain. This means the areas that affect mood, stress, anxiety, and depression also affect how we feel pain. Dr. Audry explains this as a “two-way street.” Pain can affect mental health, and mental health can affect pain.
This does not mean pain is “all in your head.” The pain is real. However, emotions like stress, anxiety, and depression can make pain signals feel stronger or louder. On the other hand, feeling calm, rested, and supported can help quiet those signals.
Why Mood Matters When You’re in Pain
Your state of mind plays a big role in how you experience pain. When you are well-rested, less stressed, and in a positive mood, pain may feel more manageable. When you are anxious, depressed, or overwhelmed, pain can feel worse.
Some people become very aware of their bodies when they live with chronic pain. This is called hypervigilance. They may constantly scan their body for pain or worry about making it worse. This can increase fear and tension, which can raise pain levels even more.
Acceptance Can Be a Powerful Tool
One of the key ideas Dr. Audry shares is acceptance. Some chronic pain conditions may not completely go away. Fighting the pain every day can lead to frustration and disappointment. Acceptance does not mean giving up. It means understanding your condition and learning how to move forward with it.
When people accept their pain, they are often more open to helpful treatments like physical therapy, counseling, meditation, or gentle exercise. Acceptance can reduce stress and help people focus on what they can control.
Non-Medication Ways to Manage Pain
Medication is not the only option for managing chronic pain. Dr. Audry highlights several non-medication approaches that can help both pain and mental health:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps people understand how thoughts affect emotions and actions
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Teaches acceptance and focus on meaningful activities
- Regular movement: Staying active within safe limits can reduce stiffness and improve mood
- Strong support systems: Friends, family, and loved ones can make a big difference
These approaches can help people feel more confident and less alone in their pain journey.
A Simple Tool for Pain Flare-Ups
When pain or stress suddenly increases, Dr. Audry recommends a breathing technique called box breathing. This involves breathing in four steps:
- Inhale for four seconds
- Hold your breath for four seconds
- Exhale for four seconds
- Hold again for four seconds
This type of breathing activates the body’s calming system, helping slow the heart rate and reduce stress. It can be a useful tool during painful or emotional moments.
When to See a Pain Specialist
If pain starts to interfere with daily activities—like walking, exercising, or doing household chores—it may be time to talk to a pain specialist. A specialist can help determine whether the pain needs further treatment or if simpler options like physical therapy may help.
Early conversations can lead to better outcomes and prevent pain from taking over daily life.
There Is Hope
Dr. Audry emphasizes hope and optimism. While not everyone becomes pain-free, many people do experience improvement over time. Small gains can add up to better quality of life. Having realistic expectations, strong support, and a hopeful outlook can make a real difference.
Living with chronic pain is challenging, but you are not alone. With the right tools, support, and mindset, it is possible to manage pain and move forward with confidence and hope.
Dr. Jedd Audry, an adult psychiatry and pain medicine physician with MyMichigan Health, sees patients at the Spine and Pain Program at MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena.
