Depression and pain - when body and soul suffer together
Chronic pain is more than just a physical symptom. It influences our thoughts, our emotions and our enjoyment of life. And vice versa: a depressive mood changes the perception of pain, reduces resilience and can block therapy. Body and soul form a sensitive interplay - especially in pain therapy.
Pain changes the psyche - and vice versa
People with chronic pain suffer from depressive symptoms more frequently than average. This is no coincidence. Persistent pain leads to:
Sleep disorders
Lack of drive
social withdrawal
Feelings of helplessness and loss of control
These factors are also typical characteristics of depression. Conversely, depression itself can also trigger or intensify pain - for example through muscular tension, vegetative dysregulation or an increased perception of pain in the central nervous system.
Biologically intertwined: pain and depression in the brain
The interfaces between pain and depression lie deep in the brain:
Serotonin and noradrenaline deficiency, which is common in depression, also affects the body's own pain inhibition.
Regions such as the thalamus, the amygdala and the prefrontal cortex are active in both phenomena - and their function is altered by long-term stress or chronic pain.
The central pain memory can be activated more easily by depressive states - pain is perceived more quickly and more intensely.
Vicious circle of pain, withdrawal and upset
Many of those affected fall into a vicious circle:
Pain → rest → social isolation → depressive mood → increased sensitivity to pain → more pain ...
In therapy, it is crucial to recognize and specifically interrupt this cycle. Only those who consider both the physical and emotional aspects can provide lasting help.
What does this mean for therapy?
Modern, holistic pain therapy therefore integrates:
Education: Understanding reduces fear. Fear increases pain.
Activation: Exercise improves mood and has a direct pain-relieving effect - neurobiologically proven.
Psychological support: Mindfulness, conversations, cognitive restructuring - all of these can help you find your way out of passivity.
Physiotherapy & occupational therapy: Activating measures, breathing techniques, body awareness and resource work are central components of the treatment.
Important to know:
Depression is not a sign of weakness, but a serious illness - often easily treatable. Anyone who suffers from chronic pain and at the same time feels listless, hopeless or empty inside should seek professional support.
Therapy starts with the person - not the symptom
In our therapeutic work at Hockenholz, we always consider the whole person: their body, their life situation, their history - and their emotional resources. Pain therapy is not just a "repair job", but rather relationship work, movement work and awareness work.
Because pain has many faces. And healing has many paths.