Living with Chronic Pain and Depression: Managing and Thriving

Living with chronic pain and depression: managing and thriving through both pains. I suffer from chronic pain with Parkinson’s disease and depression. Some days are brighter than others. But you know, I wouldn’t change a thing in my life. God has put me to the test many times, and I’m still here. I can actually say I’m content.

The chronic pain sometimes brings me down. I try not to stay that way long, because it doesn’t serve any purpose. Sooner or later, physically I won’t be able to move freely, but mentally I’m okay with that.

All I ask of family and friends is not to forget me. I want to leave a lasting impression of the woman who cared too much. Actually, I don’t think anyone can care too much. If I help one person through depression, anxiety, or schizophrenia, then I know I have accomplished what I set out to do.

The Connection Between Chronic Pain and Depression

Key Statistics

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, people with chronic pain are three times more likely to experience depression or anxiety.
Mayo Clinic reports that up to 50% of people with chronic pain also experience major depressive episodes.

Chronic pain can lead to depression if you let it. If you let the pain bring you down, you might wallow in self-pity, and that doesn’t do anyone any good. You should try to maintain a positive attitude, but don’t fake it. Faking it just leads to low self-esteem, and you don’t need to add that on top of depression.

The Impact on Mental Health

Physical and Emotional Pain

Living with chronic pain and depression: managing and thriving through sometimes difficult times. Physical and emotional pain are intertwined. One antagonizes the other. Since I have experienced both now, I believe I would choose physical pain over emotional pain. I can take physical pain, but emotional pain is far worse. Your mind plays games with you, and sometimes you don’t win. When I’m like that, I end up in the mental section of the hospital.

It helps to have a high tolerance for pain. I believe that is what has kept me pushing my limits. Although, I liked going for long walks, but I can’t do that anymore, so that’s a bummer. I remember, I used to go for ninety minute walks and did it feel good! Now all I do is sit and type away on the laptop. I shouldn’t complain, because for now, I can still type away on the laptop.

Everyday Stressors

I really don’t let everyday stressors bother me anymore like they used to. What’s the point? If everyone had this fortitude, the world would be a better place. But, it took me a long time to get to this place, and it wasn’t easy. Many hospital visits and med changes took place during that time.

I used to let every little thing stress me out, and I would go into panic mode. Also, lots of panic attacks, because of it. Of course, sometimes the panic attacks happened spontaneously.

Mind-Body Connection

The mind-body connection is wonderful when you’ve got both working in unison. That’s the point where I’m at now. Although, like I mentioned earlier, it wasn’t always like that.

Chronic pain, depression, and anxiety were constantly with me. The anxiety and depression are under control because of one med, Klonopin. I’m taking a med for the tremors that I experience daily. Nothing for the chronic pain.

Anyway, I’m getting off the subject. Mind-body connection is so liberating once you’ve accomplished it. Oh, I forgot to mention, I started meditating. You want to talk about liberating. You should try it! It has helped with all areas of my life. It gives me a strong connection between mind and body. I believe that’s why I don’t let the pain (physical and emotional) bother me as much. I’ve been meditating for three months now.

Strategies for Managing Chronic Pain and Depression

Medical Treatments

Living with chronic pain and depression: managing and thriving with the help of meds. So, what is the best medication for chronic pain and depression?

Pain Management Techniques

You need chronic pain and depression medication to survive. I take Artane for the tremors because of Parkinson’s, and I’m also on Klonopin for anxiety. I’m not on any painkillers yet, because the pain isn’t as bad right now. But there are some days I wish I was on them. I believe meditating is helping with the pain. Therefore, I can reduce its effect on me. I know it sounds far out there, but I can feel the difference. Although, there might be a point in time when I’ll need medication for chronic pain.

For the depression, I’m taking Cymbalta and Trazodone. The Trazodone is supposed to help with sleep, but after taking it for several months, I don’t notice any difference. I’m still having trouble falling asleep. No matter what I try, nothing helps.

Depression in chronic pain, I like that phrase. When you let the chronic pain take over, then depression sets in. When you hurt so badly, depression is waiting for you on the other side. If you suffer from chronic pain, don’t let depression take over your body and soul. Once it’s there, it’s hard to get rid of.

Lifestyle Changes

Exercise

At this point, I don’t exercise because it worsens my pain. I tried going for walks several months ago, but I was hurting so much, I thought I was going to pass out. Exercise is a key component to feeling good when dealing with depression. It gives you that extra boost in seratonin, so you feel like you could conquer the world.

Nutrition

Nutrition is also important in making you feel good. I have a confession to make…I don’t eat what I’m supposed to eat. I figure, with my health declining, I might as well enjoy the foods I like to eat, which is sweets. Therefore, I crave them every night before I try to sleep. I like to eat some fruit, but with all the pesticides they put on them, I’m scared to eat them. I can’t afford much anyway.

Sleep Hygiene

Sleep is very important, I’m learning that lesson over and over. It’s almost 1 am, and I’m still not sleepy. Is this gonna be an all nighter? It’s looking that way. You don’t realize how important sleep is until you develop insomnia. I believe the movements from Parkinson’s causes my insomnia. I have twitches on my face, so I can’t fully relax. It is what it is (so they say). I just deal with it the best that I can.

Limit Caffeine and Screen Time

You should limit caffeine, especially not having it several hours before you go to bed (oops). You know the saying, “do as I say, not as I do,” or something like that. It never used to bother me, and I believe it still doesn’t. It’s the movements that are keeping me awake.

I know, they say screen time should end at least an hour before you go to sleep. I believe that is true, even though I don’t always follow it. Nights that I can’t sleep, I open the laptop and write a post (like now). I do try to fall asleep at a certain time for it to become a habit, but my body has other plans. So, I lose!

Psychological Therapies

Living with chronic pain and depression: managing and thriving through therapists. Seeing a therapist is beneficial. Many people are missing these components because of rising costs. I had to dump my psychiatrist and therapist because I lost my insurance. I believe losing my psychiatrist benefited me, because my GP is now handling all my meds. At least he listens to my suggestions, because I’m now back on the Klonopin for depression and anxiety.

Mental health is very important. I miss seeing my therapist. I felt like I could open up to her. It’s important to develop that trust with them. Some other therapists, I’ve never had that. I got the feeling she genuinely cared and wanted to work with me on my issues.

The Importance of Self-Care and Support Systems

Self-care is very important by sticking to a routine. I may be boring, but I have the same routine day in and day out. It helps keep my life normal, or as normal as it can be. What is normal anyway? Is it the majority of the people doing one thing? What’s normal to me is not normal to you.

I regress, I’m getting off track again. Self-care starts with loving oneself. You do that, and everything after that will come easily. I’ve come to terms with what is happening to my body breaking down. I know I will be stuck in a shell of a body, and I can’t do anything about it. Like I said, “it is what it is.”

Support systems are also important. Confide in family or friends about how you’ve been feeling. Don’t keep it bottled inside till it bursts. I need to follow this rule, except I don’t have anyone to confide in. So, that’s a problem.

Sum It All Up

Living with chronic pain and depression is a double edged sword. One can ignite the other. I was wallowing in self-pity for quite some time. Then I decided to embrace each day to the fullest. Who knows how many decent days I have left, but I’ve made peace with everything I’ve been through. I used to fight the system (therapists and doctors), but now I am grateful for all that they have taught me.

It’s really hard to explain how I feel. I hope I’m doing a good job. I have so many thoughts swirling around in my head, it’s hard to write (type) them out. Although, I have to admit one thing that is also starting to happen. My memory isn’t as solid as it used to be. I’m desperately trying to hang onto important memories, but some are slipping away. .

Living with chronic pain and depression: managing and thriving with both pains. With Parkinson’s, the quality of my life may be diminishing, but my spirit remains in tact. Chronic pain and depression may impact my daily living, but my legacy will live on through all of you. For those who read my posts, thank you! Peace and always love. Until next time…

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Have a Good One,

Cindee Murphy
“One Voice With Chronic Pain But Little Depression”

“Depression is like a bruise that never goes away. A bruise in your mind. You just got to be careful not to touch it where it hurts. It’s always there, though.” ― Jeffrey Eugenides, “The Marriage Plot”

“Behind every sweet smile, there is a bitter sadness that no one can ever see and feel.” — Tupac Shakur

“I don’t want to do anything. I don’t even want to start this day because then I’ll just be expected to finish it.” ― Rainbow Rowell, “Fangirl”

“As the light begins to intensify, so does my misery, and I wonder how it is possible to hurt so much when nothing is wrong.” ― Tabitha Suzuma, “Forbidden”