Tackling Chronic Pain: Insights from Counselor Toolbox with Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes
Integrated, concurrent, biopsychosocial treatment is vital. Mood impacts pain which impacts life satisfaction. Recovery supports realistic beliefs and identifies controllable factors àenhanced outcomes. Patients with current addictions or mental health issues need concurrent treatment.
How does chronic pain intertwine with mood and addiction? Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes sheds light on this complex relationship in the Counselor Toolbox Podcast. Chronic pain isn't just a physical burden; it impacts every aspect of life, from sleep to social interactions. In this episode, Dr. Snipes emphasizes the necessity of an integrated, biopsychosocial approach to treatment. She explains how mood swings can intensify pain, which then diminishes life satisfaction.
The conversation extends to the concurrent treatment required for individuals dealing with addictions or mental health issues alongside chronic pain. Dr. Snipes also delves into practical self-management strategies, including problem-solving and seeking social support. She advises keeping a pain diary to identify triggers and environmental factors that might exacerbate discomfort. The episode wraps up with a caution about the addictive potential of some pain-management solutions and an invitation to an on-demand class on the psychosocial impacts of chronic pain.
Whether you're a counselor, coach, or someone grappling with chronic pain, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable advice to help you manage your condition more effectively.