Can being in pain make depression worse?

Question

I had major (abdominal & female,) surgery 4 weeks ago and so far there hasn't been ONE day that I can truthfully say has been good or that I haven't been in some type of pain.

I spoke to my therapist and she said this is usually par for the course. I still have 3 weeks go to until I have to go back to work. I'm very weak and can't do too much of anything and tire very easily. Any suggestions on how I can avoid a major set back? I'm bi-polar and I faithfully take my medication daily.

Answer 1

Yes, pain can make depression worse. AND, to turn this around, DEPRESSION can make PAIN worse!  So you are dealing with both ends of the same stick, so to speak, here.

It will lift soon--it does take a while for the pain from surgery to subside. In the meantime, try some alternative (non-drug) therapies to help you--maybe hypnosis, or biofeedback, or even a class in yoga, or tai-chi--which balance the body and open the channels to release pain and toxins. These are very good ways to deal with pain--even though it might seem that they aren't. (Especially the tai-chi.) You don't have to be in good shape to do any of them--the exercises can be tailored to fit your condition.

Exercise helps because it releases endorphins, your body's own pain-killer. Even if you can't do a whole lot, it's helpful to try to do something. And you will avoid any major depressive periods this way, too.