Many times after a catastrophic injury, the victim can be left with chronic pain. Research shows that as many as half of all chronic pain sufferers also suffer from anxiety and depression as a result. If you are suffering, do you have any legal recourse?
Pain and Depression Often Go Hand in Hand
In many cases, pain and depression come hand in hand. Not only does pain contribute to depression but it has now been found that depression can also manifest as pain.
According to studies by the Mayo Clinic, depression can cause headaches, chest pain, and even back pain. Chronic pain can lead to a reduction in sleep, undue stress and other problems that can conceivably be diagnosed as mental health issues. So mental pain and chronic pain can inform and feed on each other and cause cross diagnoses.
Vicious Cycle
This can prove to be a cycle for many sufferers and can have life-altering consequences. Both chronic pain and depression can have an impact on everything from relationships to employment to the joy you find in life. Add to this the financial burdens that typically go along with treating these symptoms, it can further the depression and anxiety, causing a vicious cycle for the sufferer.
Symptoms Should Not Be Ignored
The symptoms of depression can be vague and fleeting or overwhelming. Either way, they should not be ignored.
Feeling sadness and lethargy, an inability to focus, a loss of interest in things and people, and sleep patterns changing may seem less significant than overarching thoughts of suicide, but they are all on the depression spectrum.
Different ways of dealing with depression are often as different as the people who suffer, from medication to cognitive therapy to lifestyle choices. Often, it takes depressed individuals a long time to find the right professionals and approaches that work for them.
If you think you are suffering from depression, don’t suffer alone. There are some proactive steps you can take.
● Talk to a friend or family member about your feelings. Reaching out to others helps to feel connected and opens you up to their support.
● Find a therapist you feel comfortable with and follow their instructions. Don’t remain with a therapist who is not right for you. In most cases, people who struggle with depression may go through a few professionals before they find the right one for them.
● Avoid things that may trigger your feelings as much as possible.
● Get exercise if possible. Exercise is often called the “magic bullet” against depression.
● Engage in stress reduction methods which often help with mood improvement.
● Medication has helped many sufferers of depression and may be helpful for you.
Contact a Legal Professional
Because depression can be just as debilitating as any physical injury, it can take a toll on your life. If the depression was worsened or caused by chronic pain as the result of an accident where negligence was involved, you may have the right to pursue financial compensation. In these cases, it is important to get the guidance of a Huntsville personal injury lawyer to ensure that your rights are being protected. Call the legal team at AM Injury Law to understand how we can help at times like this.