THE LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL
Dear Doctor Kathleen,
I am experiencing a lot of physical pain as a result of a terrible car accident. My fear is that I’m never going to get better, although my doctors tell me I will have a full recovery and will be pain-free after my body heals. Why am I so scared and depressed? What can I do to reassure myself?
Doubting Thomas
Dear D.T.,
Physical pain is very stressful and is a major cause of emotional depression. Health is all there is. Without health, no amount of love, joy, success, or money can be appreciated fully. Our bodies are our vehicles. When there is pain, fear is attached. Fear, worry, anxiety, hopelessness, depression, insomnia. One thought leads to another and you’ve found yourself on a downward spiral of doom. BUT, there are things you can do to improve this.
- Find faith in your doctors. Trust their judgment, or get a second opinion.
- Keep a journal and record your progress. Number your level of pain each day and watch how it lessens over time.
- If possible, get out as much as you can. Do as much as you can. Do not allow this pain to defeat you.
- Talk to a trusted friend or therapist about your feelings, but try not to dwell on it with most people. We experience what we talk about, where we go, and what we do. If pain is your focal point in your life, you are elevating it beyond what it deserves.
- Remember to live your life in the meantime. Read, enjoy the things in your life as much as you can.
- Do not wait for your full recovery to start living again. Life goes on…and everyday matters.
- Ask your doctor if an antidepressant might help you. The stress of pain affects brain chemistry. Medication may help you to calm your fears during this time.
- Stay away from medical websites! Although there are good ones, some just instill fear with worst-case scenarios.
- Get a good estimate of when your doctors expect you to heal. When you know what time you’ll be out of the tunnel, the light at the end of the tunnel becomes brighter.
LIFE GOES ON©
Kathleen Cairns, Psy.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice in West Hartford, Connecticut. She works with adults, adolescents, and couples. You may call her at 860-236-5555 to make an appointment. She is the author of “The Psychotherapy Workbook.” You may email her at kathleen.cairns@mac.com and she will try to answer as many of your questions as possible.
www.kathleencairns.com
Life goes on… and every day matters…
Another shrink trying to sell the depression hoax. Depression is a phony term used to misrepresent the lack of hope in God so they can addict you to their drug$