Getting mental health care should be very simple and straightforward, but it’s not always so easy. Many don't have mental health coverage with their insurance. Or, if they do, sometimes the co-pay is too much. Even if there is an affordable therapist available, the stigma of seeking mental health care [...]
Sometimes in life we face issues that we cannot deal with on our own. Even our families and friends may not understand what we are going through, especially when we're suffering from a chronic condition. When this happens, finding a support group with people who understand what you are going [...]
Supplements should be used in addition to, rather than instead of, a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Often, we can avoid taking supplements by making some lifestyle modifications. For some people, though, with their doctor's approval, supplements can help. If you're wondering when to take supplements, some conditions could potentially benefit [...]
The research coming out in 2018 on the convergence of chronic pain and mental health show that it is a complex relationship that researchers are still unraveling. We know that chronic pain can exacerbate mental health problems like depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation and vice versa. The strong connection between [...]
For the 100 million U.S. adults suffering from chronic pain, emotional pain frequently follows. Some experts estimate that 50% of people with chronic pain also experience depression. The conditions are tightly entwined. While chronic pain dampens a person’s mood, depression can also lead to pain. But, why does depression hurt in a physical [...]
We're only just beginning to understand how stress affects the body. We cover some of the most frequently-asked questions when it comes to pain and stress, such as "can stress cause back pain?" and "what are the best stress management techniques?" in this post. What is stress? Have you ever [...]
Chronic pain patients are often reminded that tracking their pain is a good way to predict flare-ups or to pinpoint causes. Other than keeping a pen-and-paper record of everything eaten and all activity, there are few effective ways of tracking episodes of chronic pain. Additionally, it can be hard to connect [...]
For many people experiencing depression, antidepressants can literally be a lifesaver. While these medications can help lift people out of major depression, the side effects of antidepressants can be a difficult trade-off. How do these medications work, what are their common side effects, and how can you prevent them? What [...]
Trigger warning: This article contains material regarding sexual abuse and sexual trauma that some readers may find upsetting or disturbing. Every 98 seconds someone in the U.S. is sexually assaulted, usually by someone they know well. The statistics on sexual assault are only part of the picture. What numbers and [...]
Coloring used to be an activity reserved for small children in elementary grades, but these days adult coloring books are topping bestseller lists and flying off the shelves. Turns out, coloring and adult coloring books may have therapeutic benefits for many different conditions, including anxiety, depression, and chronic pain. The [...]
