Is chronic anxiety and pain keeping you from living life as you wish?  Finding solutions is difficult on your own.  A compassionate therapist can help you find the answers to improve your quality of life.  You may be concerned about seeking therapy but pain and anxiety are complicated conditions.  If those conditions are not improved or resolved, it may be time to seek additional help.  Anxiety and pain affects every aspect of your life and reducing this disruption is the key to living well.  There are various proven options for relieving your symptoms but you may need help navigating which therapies are right for you.   Some of those therapies may include these proven therapies or combinations of therapies for anxiety and pain.

1.  Cognitive Therapy – this type of therapy helps a person change their thought patterns which in turn changes how they experience pain.  Cognitive therapy has also been proven to improve symptoms of depression which can accompany chronic pain.  Research shows that after ten weeks of cognitive therapy that over half of the participant experienced less pain.  Some of these participants were even feeling well enough to discontinue medication.

2.  Medications – there are a variety of medications that treat not only the pain but also the symptoms of anxiety and depression that accompanies such long term chronic pain.  It is best to speak with an experienced and empathetic practitioner to discuss your medication options.

3.  Exercise – this is considered a relaxation therapy and is included with breathing exercises, visualizations and physical exercise.  Many symptoms can be reduced with this type of therapy.  Since chronic anxiety and pain is also a stressor, this type therapy can help reduce that stress and in return cause less anxiety.

4.  Healthy Lifestyle Changes – many sufferers consider treating anxiety naturally by reducing certain unhealthy foods and food chemicals in their diets.  Caffeine, alcohol, artificial colors and sweeteners all can trigger anxiety and pain.  Getting enough sleep is crucial to reducing pain and anxiety.  Exercise can help help boost moods and regulate body systems which alleviates anxiety and pain.

5.  Alternative Options – yoga, massage and acupuncture have helped many people manage their pain.  Chronic neck pain may be relieved through massage therapy or yoga may be able to calm down anxieties.    

The difficulty in finding a solution to chronic pain or anxiety is that everyone is different and what works for some may not work for others.  It may not be just one particular therapy that works but it may be finding that right combination of therapies that work together.  Finding a therapist in which you feel comfortable and relaxed can help guide you through this process.  A good therapist will be easy to talk to because they are a good listener who is concerned for your welfare.  A practitioner can help find therapies or combinations of therapies that works for you and your individual needs.  An experienced and compassionate practitioner will take the time to evaluate your individual needs and put together a plan that will work best for you.     

*The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. Never substitute, disregard, or delay seeking professional medical advice and assistance for any health or mental issue(s) you have or are concerned about because of something you have read.