Depression, anxiety, and PTSD are often interrelated with chronic pain syndromes
Stress and trauma (physical and psychological) are linked with these conditions as well
Psychological stress/trauma can be experienced by individuals differently despite a similar amount of environmental input (or exposure)- this is referred to as “perceived stress”
- Environmental input refers to the innumerable ways our body interacts with the world around us
- In this case we are referring to psychological/social stressors
Perceived Stress
Trauma informed psychotherapy is an important tool to decrease perceived stress
- A good relationship with your therapist is a very important predictor of success
- Many forms of trauma informed therapy exist, a common one is EMDR
Minimizing perseverating on the past or catastrophizing about the future may help (ie being in the moment)- meditation, mindfulness, spirituality/prayer, exercise, music…
Books to think about
- The Body Keeps the Score – Bessel van der Kolk (triggering for some)
- What My Bones Know – Stephanie Foo
- Trauma: The Invisible Epidemic – Paul Conti (Dr. Conti is also featured on a 4-part interview through the Huberman Lab Podcast)
