Chronic pain and mental health disorders have a bidirectional relationship. Not everyone with chronic pain experiences a problem with their mental health, and vice-versa. However, pain can affect a person’s mental well-being, and mental health disorders can cause physical pain.

Because people undergoing chronic pain treatment may be at a higher risk for mental health concerns like anxiety, substance use disorders, and depression, regular mental health checkups are essential for identifying problems before symptoms become severe.

The Connection Between Chronic Pain and Mental Health

Chronic pain and mental health are intricately connected. Approximately 5% of the general population is affected by depression, but 30% to 45% of those living with chronic pain experience depression.

This relationship between mental health and chronic pain is complex and depends on several factors. Individuals with a naturally positive outlook, resilience, and strong support may have a lower risk for depression. However, even the strongest and most cheerful person can suffer mental health decline when living with daily pain.

Depression, anxiety, and other mental health concerns don’t only manifest as a direct result of pain. For example, a person’s self-esteem may suffer when chronic pain prevents them from earning a living, and financial strain can lead to anxiety.

When chronic pain causes disability, needing assistance can lower a person’s sense of self-worth. The inability to participate in favorite activities, travel, or fully engage in family outings may cause an individual to isolate. Self-isolating is both a symptom and cause of depression.

Chronic Pain Treatment and Substance Use Disorders

On the other hand, substance use disorders may arise when pain treatment includes addictive medications. Most prescription medications are safe when used as directed, but purposeful or accidental misuse can lead to an addiction disorder.

Substance use disorder is a treatable condition, and like many health issues, long-term results are more positive when the condition is diagnosed early. Misuse of some medications can cause additional physical harm. For instance, in addition to dependence, prolonged oxycodone use can cause:

  • Neurological disorders
  • Anaphylactic shock
  • Circulatory issues
  • Menstruation complications
  • Impotence

The good news is that complications like these can be avoided with regular mental health checkups.

What Are Mental Health Checkups?

The idea of a mental health checkup may be new to many people. The identification and treatment of mental disorders is still impacted by stigma. Many people avoid dealing with mental health symptoms because they are concerned about being judged or labeled, as well as losing their jobs or even custody of their children.

Fortunately, mental health awareness is growing, and being treated for a mental disorder doesn’t carry the same negative weight it once did. Getting a mental health checkup is as important as getting an annual physical. If you’re living with chronic pain, it’s even more critical to look out for your mental health.

It’s estimated that more than 50% of all Americans will be affected by a mental disorder at some time in their lives. Symptoms can range from mild and managed with lifestyle changes to severe and difficult to manage.

A mental health assessment or screening involves a list of questions and an evaluation by a mental health professional. This screening can discover if a person is having symptoms of a disorder and what kind of treatment may be most effective.

What to Expect During a Mental Health Screening

There are no health risks associated with a mental health assessment and nothing to prepare for. You will be asked to answer a standard set of questions about your sleep habits, appetite, mood, and other issues. A healthcare professional may ask you the questions in person, or you might be given a questionnaire to fill out.

Be honest when answering the screening questions. Minimizing or denying issues can delay vital treatment that could help improve both your mental and physical health.

A physical exam that includes blood tests may follow. Blood tests can rule out physical problems like an electrolyte imbalance or thyroid disease. If your health provider suspects symptoms could be caused by a problem with your brain or nervous system, they may order imaging tests to examine your brain.

The provider will explain all the test results to you. If the screening shows you have a mental health disorder, they will suggest treatment options. Options can include:

  • Talk therapy or other psychological treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy
  • Stress-reduction techniques like meditation or journaling
  • Lifestyle changes

Updating your pain management methods may also help. Non-invasive treatments like neurofeedback and hyperbaric oxygen therapy can be effective in reducing chronic pain. Some mental health symptoms may be naturally relieved with pain decreases as well.

How Often Should You Have a Mental Health Checkup?

There is no standardized recommendation for mental health screenings. Some people have more risk factors for developing a mental health disorder and would benefit from more frequent screening. These risk factors can include:

  • Family history of mental illness
  • Major life changes
  • Trauma, including the sudden loss of a loved one
  • High levels of stress
  • Genetics
  • Age
  • Gender
  • Chronic illnesses such as heart disease
  • Chronic pain
  • Environmental stressors
  • Lifestyle choices

If you’re experiencing any warning signs of a mental health problem that lasts at least two weeks or if existing symptoms have gotten worse, contact your healthcare provider to schedule a screening. Ignoring symptoms can lead to bigger problems, including an increase in your physical pain.

Warning Signs of a Mental Health Concern

It can be difficult to recognize the warning signs of poor mental health for people who are receiving chronic pain treatment. The pain and/or the side effects of treatment can present symptoms that are similar to depression and anxiety, such as isolating or sleeping too much.

However, whatever the root cause of the symptoms, they are still considered warning signs for poor mental health. Some of the general symptoms include:

  • Fatigue
  • Feeling hopeless or numb
  • Smoking or drinking more than usual
  • Misusing drugs, prescription or illicit
  • Mood swings
  • Obsessive thoughts
  • Confusion or forgetfulness
  • Feeling worried or anxious
  • Thoughts of self-harm or suicide

If you find yourself dealing with any of these symptoms, a mental health checkup can help you get back on track.

Chronic Pain Conditions Associated With Mental Health Concerns

Living with chronic pain increases the risk of certain mental health concerns, like anxiety and depression. Whether mild or severe, living with pain daily takes its toll on an individual’s mental and physical reserves. However, some chronic pain conditions do have a higher prevalence of co-occurring mental health conditions.

Arthritis

There are over 100 forms of arthritis, and arthritis pain levels can be debilitating. Osteoarthritis can reduce an individual’s ability to complete daily activities or participate in social gatherings. People with arthritis often experience anxiety and mood disorders at a higher rate than people without arthritis.

Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a nerve disease that interferes with the communication between the body and brain. The effects of MS can cause a loss of social support and isolation, and it’s estimated that people with MS are twice as likely to experience depression. Anxiety and pseudobulbar affect are also more common among those with multiple sclerosis.

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a multi-system disease that affects the way the spinal cord processes pain signals. Any touch or movement can feel painful to a person with FM.

Living with FM can make it difficult to function socially and maintain intimate relationships. People with FM can have a higher risk for anxiety disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Back and Neck Pain

Pain in the back and neck is one of the most common sources of chronic pain in the U.S. It can lead to problems with balance, bladder control, and other symptoms that make it difficult to lead a normal life.

One study concluded that adults with backaches and headaches had the highest risk of developing major depression and that mental health conditions are more common among people with chronic back/neck pain than those without.

Menstruation-Related Pain

Menstrual pain can be debilitating, especially for women with endometriosis. In addition to pain, embarrassment over heavy menstrual bleeding and concerns about bathroom access can cause some women to self-isolate.

Women experiencing pelvic pain due to endometriosis or other menstruation-related issues may have higher levels of emotional stress, anxiety, and depression than women who don’t.

Will Mental Health Checkups Help?

If you are living with chronic pain, especially pain caused by these conditions, consider including a yearly mental health screening in your chronic pain treatment plan. Mental checkups are fast, easy, and affordable. Ask your pain doctor for recommendations regarding a mental health professional.

Don’t Ignore Your Mental Health

The mental health needs of people living with chronic pain are too often overlooked. Your pain doctor may or may not consider your mental health when developing a chronic pain treatment plan. In many cases, it is up to the individual to advocate for themselves when it comes to mental health care.

Some people ignore mental health symptoms because they don’t want to take more medications or because they are understandably already overwhelmed by managing their pain. Another reason some patients ignore mental health symptoms is that they are concerned that being diagnosed will discredit their need for pain treatment.

All of these concerns are legitimate. Getting treatment for chronic pain is often a complicated journey with much trial and error.

That’s why it’s vital to find a mental health professional who is experienced in specifically helping those with chronic pain. Clinics and providers that take a holistic approach to wellness are often more educated on the connection between chronic pain and mental health.

Find Wellness at Plus by APN

Living with chronic pain can increase your risk of developing a mental health disorder, but regular mental health checkups serve to help chronic pain patients identify issues before symptoms become severe. While it’s tempting to ignore the warning signs of poor mental health, ignoring these symptoms can lead to bigger problems in the long run, including an increase in pain.

Consider adding mental health screenings as part of your regular health care, especially if your pain is caused by arthritis, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, back or neck injury, or menstruation-related problems.

Medications and traditional treatments like physical therapy are still valuable tools for chronic pain treatment, but there is an array of non-invasive, low-risk treatments that could improve both your mental and physical health at the same time.

If the struggle with chronic pain is affecting your mental health, the skilled team at Plus by APN can help. Contact us by phone 424.644.6486 or fill out our confidential online contact form to learn more about your options and start on the path to wellness today.

References

  • “Chronic Pain and Mental Health.” Mental Health America, www.mhanational.org/chronic-pain-and-mental-health#SIX. Accessed 2 Sept. 2024.
  • “Depression.” National Institute of Mental Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression. Accessed 2 Sept. 2024.
  • “What Is a Mental Health Screening?” MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/mental-health-screening/. Accessed 2 Sept. 2024.
  • XTAMPZA® ER – Accessdata.Fda.Gov, www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2021/208090s015lbl.pdf. Accessed 2 Sept. 2024.