Monday, August 10, 2009

The psychology of pain

In a few short days, on Thursday the 13th, I will be analyzed and evaluated to determine if I have a disability based on my psychological status. I’ve been doing some research and I’ve determined that I do.

Not just because I want them to keep paying me every month! I mean, that will be a nice benefit, and one I need. But also, I think there are definite psychological points to this pain thing.

I’ve been reading journal articles about how chronic pain impacts your brain and makes it function on a lower level than it did prior to the chronic pain. Now I’m reading about how chronic pain can be aggravated by psychological and emotional stressors.

And when I read the following statements that were “typical statements expressed by chronic pain patients” I had to be honest with myself, there was some truth there:

-“I feel worthless to my family because I cannot work.”

-“I don’t care to interact with my friends the way I used to.”

-“I don’t like myself and feel disappointed in myself.”

And on it goes.

Don’t get me wrong. I don’t think this is all in my head. This is very real and would be alleviated if I could just get a new damn pain pump! But there is something to this psychological stuff.

Sometimes honesty, especially with yourself, really is a pain isn’t it?

1 comment:

  1. Sometimes I think our minds are our own worst enemies! I read the list that you posted and I thought, "Why would you think that, I don't think that about you?" But I have my own things that I think about and I struggle with too...but gosh why does our mind do this to us.

    And I hope that you get your benefits, but I don't think it's all in your head easier. But if them saying it is get's you the pain pump faster then by all means, GO FOR IT!

    ReplyDelete