Topic Overview
can take its toll on your mental health.
Fear, frustration, anger, depression, and anxiety are common reactions to
ongoing pain and can make it last even longer. If pain is starting to get you
down:
- Let people know when you need a helping hand.
Enlist family members or friends to help out with physical tasks you can't do
right now.
- Be frank with your doctor about how pain is affecting
you. Ask for a referral to a counselor or pain management specialist. Your
doctor may also see a need to prescribe a short course of antidepressant or
antianxiety medication.
- Work with your health professional and
work supervisor to develop a gradual return-to-work plan, if necessary. Request
an ergonomic consultation if you need to learn how to do some of your job
duties differently to avoid reinjury.