When the Mind Causes Pain
(NewsUSA)
- Susan, a 40-year-old school teacher, was suffering from
daily headaches, neck pains, shoulder pains, chronic feelings
of tension and sleepless nights.
After performing a number of diagnostic tests and a thorough
examination, Susan's physician informed her that her X-rays,
blood tests and MRI indicated she had no physical problems.
Yet Susan's pain was very real. To her surprise, her doctor
told her that her physical pains and discomforts were symptoms
of depression.
Susan is one of several people who tell their stories of
painful physical symptoms disrupting their lives in a video
titled "When the Mind Causes Pain." The video was produced
by Freedom From Fear, a nonprofit mental illness advocacy
organization.
Freedom From Fear began its focus on pain and depression
with a survey to explore the impact of physical symptoms on
an individual's work, social life and family life. The survey,
conducted last May, revealed that almost 90 percent of the
participants believe depression or anxiety could cause painful
physical symptoms.
Also, 50 percent of the participants who were diagnosed with
arthritis, migraines, diabetes and other medical conditions
with painful symptoms reported increased pain on days when
they felt anxious or depressed.
Some of the other findings indicated that 60 percent of the
participants with undiagnosed medical conditions experienced
moderate to severe changes in their physical symptoms on days
they felt anxious or depressed.
"The connection between physical pain and emotional pain
is very well documented in the medical literature," said Mary
Guardino, executive director and founder of Freedom From Fear.
"Among patients with depression, 80 percent first present
to their doctors exclusively with physical symptoms. The most
common are: joint and back pain, fatigue, insomnia, dizziness
and headaches. In fact, patients with painful physical symptoms
are three times as likely to experience high depressive symptoms,"
she said.
Chronic pain affects more than 40 million Americans each
year. Depression affects more than 19 million. The numbers
are staggering. The cost in human suffering is immeasurable.
Yet, there are safe, effective treatments available, and people
can improve their quality of life, even if they are experiencing
painful symptoms. A feeling of well-being is a joint effort
of the mind and body working together.
If you are experiencing physical symptoms and you feel that
your mood and emotional state are being affected, help is
available. Call 1-888-442-2022 to access a free mental health
screening from a health care provider in your area.
To learn more about "When the Mind Causes Pain," visit www.freedomfromfear.org.
If you wish to purchase "When the Mind Causes Pain" and related
materials, send $25 to Freedom From Fear, 308 Seaview Ave.,
Staten Island, NY 10305.
Article Source: http://www.newsusa.com
|
