Think about these two scenarios.
In the first one, you slip and fall down the stairs or stub your small toe onto something. Maybe you have a migraine or any other illness causing body aches. These are examples of pain we are all familiar with.
The second scenario is a rejection in whatever form, a broken relationship or losing a loved one. These are painful experiences, even though they are not similar to those in the first scenario.
The difference is that the first category signifies physical pain, and the second is emotional pain.
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Link Between Physical and Emotional Pain
If you’re wondering whether there’s a connection between physical and emotional pain, you’re not alone. The issue has been a subject of research, but the answers are finally here.
The reason both forms of pain hurt almost the same, even though they are different, is that they share similar neural pathways.
Physical and emotional pain activates the same areas of the brain, resulting in much overlap.
Some researchers argue that we shouldn’t think of the two forms of pain as different. Instead, we should view them as two sides of the same thing.
Overlap Between Emotional and Physical Pain
The connection between physical and emotional pain is not just something researchers detect in labs. It’s pretty common, and we experience overlap all the time.
When you’re suffering from physical pain, you’re likely to experience psychological symptoms as well. Similarly, emotional pain can also cause physical pain.
Here is a quick look at how physical pain results in emotional distress and vice versa:
Physical Effects of Emotional Pain
When you’re suffering from emotional pain, you could experience physical symptoms that are entirely tied to your emotions, such as:
- Fatigue
- Stomach upset
- Diarrhea
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Inflammation
Psychological Effects of Physical Pain
On the other hand, emotional/psychological effects of physical pain may include:
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Helplessness
- Frustration
Treating Physical and Emotional Pain
Medical providers generally specialize in physical pain, while their mental health counterparts focus on emotional pain.
However, the similarities between physical and emotional pain mean that they sometimes share treatment options.
Let’s look at treatment plans for both types of pain.
- Medication
Depending on how pain affects you, medical providers and mental health professionals may prescribe medications.
Physicians usually prescribe painkillers to relieve physical pain as part of their treatment plan for the underlying condition. Mental health professionals also prescribe different medications for psychological issues, such as antidepressants and antianxiety drugs.
You may also receive a combination of the two types of medications if you suffer from both forms of pain.
- Therapy
Therapy can help you manage both physical and emotional pain. Mental health practitioners may use techniques like Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help you control how your mind reacts to physical distress.
Similar techniques, including meditation and journaling, may also help you manage your emotions and handle emotional pain.
- Physical Activity
Physical activity benefits your overall health and is generally recommended for pain relief. Exercises and activities like swimming, walking, and biking strengthen your body and improve your immune system. They also benefit your mental health, making it easier to manage emotional distress.
- Physical Therapy
Medical providers sometimes suggest physical therapy and massage to relieve localized pain. Experts will use different techniques to relieve tension, promote blood flow, and adjust the affected area to reduce physical pain.
Soothing techniques like massages can also relieve emotional pain associated with stress, anxiety, and grief.
- Medical Cannabis
Various studies suggest that the cannabinoids in cannabis have pain-relieving properties capable of easing different types of chronic pain. The plant, popularly known as marijuana, has become a natural remedy of choice for many patients across the US.
Marijuana has also become a powerful treatment for emotional distress. Doctors in states where marijuana is legal can now recommend it as a treatment for various physical and psychological conditions.
As a patient, you would need to get a medical marijuana card in your state, which allows you to buy and consume the drug legally.
Final Thoughts
More research has shown that pain is more complex than previously thought. It’s not as simple as having emotional pain on one side and physical pain on another. There’s a strong connection that causes much overlap between the two.
