Chronic pain can be so disruptive, that one can easily lose their former identity.  As part of my PhD at New York University I conducted research on the role that relationships play in fibromyalgia , a chronic pain disorder.  Chronic unexplained pain is complex, and cannot be so easily boiled down to a simple diagnosis. 

It is true, however, that a subset of people with chronic pain, such as fibromyalgia or endometriosis do experience significant amounts of both depression and anxiety.  Anxiety and depression can make chronic pain worse. Treating these associated mental health problems has been shown to sometimes, but not always improve chronic pain conditions.

Do you struggle with chronic pain?  Does it impact your work life and interfere with engaging in healthy and reciprocal relationships?  Psychotherapy is often an important key to the healing process.  The first step toward healing is taking action and side-stepping a mistrust of modern medicine.  Many people with chronic pain have been failed by doctors and others whom have had authoriity over them.  Reaching out for help takes courage and strength.