by: Dr. Lila Hakim, C.Psych.
Our rehabilitation and health psychologists can help you to
address the psychosocial impact of pain, injuries and disabilities in your life.
Pain
Acute and chronic pain can be a serious and debilitating
life issue. Pain is often associated with physical limitations that require
life adjustments. Pain tends to be accompanied by a wide range of emotional
issues including depressed mood, low motivation, hopelessness, grief, anger, or
anxiety. In addition, we may experience problems with concentration or memory
as a result of pain and low mood or anxiety. The experience of pain can have an
impact on how we view our selves and our sense of autonomy, which can affect
our couple, family, and work relationships.
Disability and Injuries
Regardless of the manner in which a person is injured,
whether gradually through a work-related task, or suddenly such as through a
slip-and-fall or motor vehicle accident, there are a host of emotions that can
occur that can affect engagement in everyday life activities (e.g.,
socializing). In the case of a sudden injury, a number of traumatic stress
symptoms can occur, such as nightmares and flashbacks. Avoidance of important
activities, such as driving, can also serve to worsen our emotional state and
sense of autonomy, and affect our recovery.
Regardless of the manner in which a person is injured,
whether gradually through a work-related task, or suddenly such as through a
slip-and-fall or motor vehicle accident, there are a host of emotions that can
occur that can affect engagement in everyday life activities (e.g.,
socializing). In the case of sudden injury, a number of traumatic stress
symptoms can occur, such as nightmares and flashbacks. Avoidance of important
activities, such as driving, can also serve to worsen our emotional state and
sense of autonomy, and affect our recovery.
Engagement in physical treatments can be affected by
emotional issues such as traumatic stress, low motivation, hopelessness, or
anxiety. Considerations about returning to the workforce and how to engage in
life roles (e.g., parental, couple) are important to resolve. Accessing support
from friends and family can be difficult at times, resulting in the feeling
that nobody understands your pain and limitations.
How We Help You
At CFIR, we help you to cope and manage your experience of
pain and adapt to your injuries and disabilities. In terms of your pain, your
experience of pain is influenced by our thoughts, emotional reactions, and
everyday stress. Certain ways of thinking and emotionally reacting to the world
can heighten the perception of pain and intensify the pain we are experiencing.
Environmental stressors, relationship problems, and a lack of social support
can also influence how we view our pain and limitations. We will help you to
address these psychological challenges, including making lifestyle adjustments,
to support you to cope with your pain. In terms of your injuries and
disability, we will also help you deal with the psycho-social aspects of your
injury and disability by supporting you to adapt your lifestyle and build new
skills to deal with your physical incapacities. We’ll also help you deal with
the grief, helpless, hopeless and anxious feelings that can accompany changes
to your physical health status.
Read more about our Neuropsychology,
Rehabilitation & Health Psychology Treatment Service.
