Chronic pain, like neuropathy, often coexists with mental illnesses, complicating diagnosis and treatment. Many patients focus only on physical symptoms, neglecting to mention accompanying mental health issues, which usually go undiagnosed and untreated. Understanding and addressing this connection is crucial for effective treatment and improved quality of life. When managing chronic pain and mental health, it is essential to discuss all your symptoms with your doctor, even if they seem unrelated. Sharing physical and mental symptoms can give your doctor a comprehensive view of your health, potentially revealing patterns or connections you might not recognize. It’s important to talk to a therapist about feelings of sadness, anxiety, irritability, aggression, hopelessness, or guilt. A therapist specializing in chronic illness or pain can help differentiate between natural emotional responses and more severe conditions. Stress reduction techniques are beneficial for managing both chronic pain and mental health conditions. Reducing stress can lower stress hormone levels, increase serotonin and dopamine, and help you maintain control over your thoughts. An anti-inflammatory diet can alleviate pain and improve overall health by avoiding processed foods, grains, sugars, dairy, and red meat and focusing on whole fruits and vegetables to support nerve function and regeneration. In addition to dietary changes, supplements can improve nerve function and overall health. Vitamins and nutritional supplements can be particularly beneficial if you have deficiencies affecting your nerve health. Taking a holistic approach, including medical treatment, therapy, lifestyle changes, and dietary adjustments, can significantly improve your overall well-being by addressing physical and mental health.
source: https://axiom-chiropractic.com/chronic-pain-and-your-mental-health/
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