Living Psychogenic

Psychogenic pain disorder; something most of will go our entire lives without hearing about. Even fewer of us will ever have the opportunity to learn about it, quite possibly because most of us will never experience, nor will we know anyone who experiences, this pain firsthand.

Although the condition isn't rare, it is not often heard of, most likely because of its relationship with mental health conditions and the stigma that surrounds these issues, leaving many people to suffer in silence.

So, let's talk. What is psychogenic pain?

Psychogenic pain is a pain disorder caused by mental or emotional factors, rather than physical factors. The pain caused by this condition is often sudden and unexplainable, with some of the most common pain sites being the back, stomach, neck, and head.

Unfortunately, little is known about the condition and there is no cure available. The condition, which causes chronic and widespread pain, can last for years, and leave many people in unbearable pain. Sufferers of this condition can experience severe, and in some cases even unbearable, pain, that can interfere with the daily lives and activities of those affected by the condition.

Psychogenic pain is caused when the body encounters a sufficient amount of stress, and turns mental and emotional stress or anxiety into physical and often severe pain. The condition is more common among those who suffer from mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. These conditions are more prevalent in young people and teenagers, but the condition isn't uncommon to see among more diverse demographics.

In fact, one in four individuals will suffer from a mental illness at some point in their lives, accumulating to over 450 million around the world suffering from at least one mental health condition. This has made mental illness a leading cause of poor health and disabilities among people worldwide.

Millennials, in fact, have the highest rates of stress and mental illness ever recorded.

So, why is this generation so stressed?

Well, for starters, this generation is facing new and challenging problems that weren't relevant for previous generations. Today, having a college degree is the equivalent of having a high school degree twenty-five years ago, and with the way the economy has plummeted over the years, many people have difficulty finding a job in their career field. With many young people depending on their parents throughout their entire lives, many can't think for themselves, and with people failing to identify as an adult until their late twenties or thirties, it's no surprise to learn how stressed we are.

Knowing that stress is one of the main causes of psychogenic pain, and being that stress is inevitable, many people may become concerned about developing this condition. However, if you find healthy ways to manage your stress, the chances of developing psychogenic pain are very slim.

However, what if you do develop this condition?

What are treatment options for psychogenic pain?

Treatments are scarce, as you may be prescribed non-narcotic painkillers, antidepressants, or anxiety medication; options are limited, as you can tell. I, myself, suffer from psychogenic pain disorder and anxiety, and only recently learned about the condition myself after doing extensive research and learning about the condition.

There are other options that are available to help relieve stress such as massage therapy, acupuncture, meditation, and talk therapy. However, these options are rather expensive, and if you're like most people in society, you probably don't have a money tree growing in your backyard.

You and your healthcare provider should talk about which options are best suited for you, as well as talk about what you can afford and what your insurance may cover. As always, you should research and read all the side effects of any medication you decide to take.

Hopefully, with more research and new technologies, a cure will be found for this dreadful disorder very soon.

**DISCLAIMER**

I AM NOT A DOCTOR. IF YOU BELIEVE YOU ARE SUFFERING FROM PSYCHOGENIC PAIN, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER AND DISCUSS YOUR SYMPTOMS TO FIND THE RIGHT OPTION FOR YOU AND YOUR LIFESTYLE.