Pain is usually the result of an injury or condition, but psychic pain/emotional, is closely associated with suffering that may stem from it. Emotional pain need not have any physical basis. Ask anyone who has been forced to deal with something as painful as betrayal, a sudden injury, or even the death of a child. If your psychic pain is the result of physical pain, the organic root of that pain process can usually be treated by medications, nerve blocks, etc.
The emotional pain stemming from a chronic illness, debility, loss of independence, disfigurement, etc, needs to be addressed by a qualified mental health practitioner like a psychologist, psychotherapist, or psychiatrist. In addition, a healthy lifestyle has an direct impact on emotional state. Studies have proven that when patients with major depression began an exercise program, their self reported mood elevated and they needed less medication. This can also be said for healthy diet. Some foods are natural mood elevators and modulators.
Many of my patients also turn towards a member of the clergy for emotional and spiritual support in the face of suffering. It is natural for us, as humans, to look for meaning in events that lead to our emotional pain and turmoil. Perhaps most solace can be gotten from knowing that whatever you're experiencing, you're not alone in it, and that others have walked the same path as you.
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