why does depression come with cronic pain

The root of this question is really: Why do people suffer with chronic pain? Suffering and pain are not the same thing. Suffering is really created by what you think about the pain and how you respond to pain. Because of this, some people with chronic pain do not suffer and do not have depression.

Suffering is rooted in your comparisons with the past or worrying about the future. If you tend to endless think about what you used to be able to do before the pain struck, hey you will be depressed. If you worry about the about your future abilities, hey you will be depressed.

Suffering is rooted in the meaning of the pain. Does this pain mean you have cancer? Does this pain mean you have a tumor? Does this pain mean you will die young? This type of castostrophic thinking will make you depressed.

The solution to living with chronic pain without depression is really quite simple: Live and enjoy the moment. Hobbies, loved ones, and a smile will keep you from suffering. People in pain do not have to suffer with depression.

Dr. Christina Lasich, MD