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Are You Depressed?

How Depression and Back Pain Intertwine

Written by Margaret McCraw, PhD; Reviewed by Lawrence M. Kamhi, MD, FIPP

Depression affects people worldwide. The World Health Organization states that depression affects about 121 million people. It is a complex emotional disorder that is common in patients who suffer chronic back pain. The connection between back pain and depressive disorders is something researchers are studying. In a study conducted by the University of Alberta, it was revealed that back pain is twice as likely to recur in depressed patients. Besides a depressed mood, there are feelings of hopelessness, guilt, and worthlessness. But there is good news. Many different medications and talk therapies are helping patients with depression to lead fuller, happier and more productive lives—even with back pain!

SpineUniverse Editorial Board Commentary

Depression and chronic back pain often intertwine. Therefore, it's important to be aware of the signs of depression so that you can address it as early as possible.

It is important to understand that depression and sadness are different. The death of a loved one, loss of a relationship, termination of a job, including retirement, will cause us to feel sad. Grief is a normal response to these situations. Individuals experiencing challenging times will often remark that he or she feels depressed. However, sadness, grief and depression are not the same. Feelings of sadness and grief will lessen with time while depression can continue for months and years, if untreated.

Does This Seem Like You?
Read the following list and put a check mark next to each symptom that you are experiencing:

I am really sad most of the time
I don't enjoy doing the things I've always enjoyed doing
I have difficulty sleeping at night
I often feel fatigued
Getting up in the morning is challenging
I feel better as the day goes on compared to when I first awoke
My eating habits have changed: Generally, I eat more than usual or I eat less than usual
I have very little, if any, sexual energy
I am very forgetful throughout the day
I find it hard to focus on the simple things of life. Even counting change has become challenging
I often feel angry
I feel anxious, and fearful with no apparent reason
I prefer to stay alone rather than socialize
I feel pessimistic about life in general, and am not sure I want to continue living
I feel disappointed in myself
I feel bad (physically and emotionally) most of the time
I have thoughts about my death
I think about how I might kill myself

Note: Source for list - National Institute of Mental Health/NIMH (some revisions)

How Is Depression Treated?

Medicine: Anti-depressants may take several weeks before you begin to feel better.

Talk therapy: Talk therapy helps you to change the way you think, feel, and behave to support you in feeling better.

Tips for Day-to-day Living While Moving Through Depression

Set reasonable goals for yourself
Set priorities; do what you can
Break large tasks into small ones
Take everything at your own pace
Stay connected with others
Take walks and exercise if acceptable to your physician
Shift pessimistic thinking to hopeful thoughts

Used by permission of www.losethebackpain.com

Where Can I Get Help?
Dr. Margaret McCraw
Institute of Vibrational Synchronicity (IVS)
877.366.9111

National Mental Health Association
www.nmha.org
703/684-7722

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
www.nimh.nih.gov
866.615.6464

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
www.nami.org
800.950.6264

Addressing Depression Can Also Help Your Back Pain
Back pain can sometimes feel as if it's taken over your life: taking away your ability to work, socialize, and do activities you used to enjoy. And this change in your life can lead to depression.

We're here to remind you that depression and back pain do not have to control your life. There is help for you. Talk to your doctor about depression treatments (either medications or counseling), and take charge of your back health today.

Updated on: 01/26/12