Coping with KT
By Sibelia L. Chaiyahat, MSW, LCSWLife Enrichment Services
Portland, Oregon
Qualifications: mental health clinician, 15 year old son w/ KT
The Swirls of Painby Sittidet Chaiyahat
KT has some challenges Physical differences Pain Mobility Clothing/shoe adjustments/needs Depression Need good medical treatment/insurance Complicated, hard to explain and understand Financial or employment issues Intimacy Travel Bleeding/leaking PTSD or anxiety from medical trauma
How to stay emotionally healthy?
Know and understand KTAwareness of these challenges especially
depression and painKnow resources – treatments,
accommodations, etc.Take good care of yourself (emotionally and
physically)Have a good support circle Keep trying things, don't give up
Depression: Symptoms
Persistant feelings of sadness (may be crying spells)
Loss of interest or pleasure in things Changes in appetite Loss of energy, increased fatigue Changes in sleep patterns Restlessness, irritability, anger Feelings of worthlessness, guilt Difficulty concentration or making decisions Thoughts of death or suicide Somatic (headaches, nausea, pain) Isolation, social withdrawl Lack of motivation
Depression: What causes it?
Personality characteristics- low self esteem, easily overwhelmed, pessimistic
Biochemistry – serotonin and norepinephrine
Genetics- runs in the familyEnvironment – abuse, neglect, violence,
poverty, disaster, accidentsMultiple extreme stressors (chronic
illness, caregivers)
Chronic Pain: What is it?
Chronic pain is pain that continues a month or more beyond the usual recovery period for an injury or illness or that goes on for months or years due to a chronic condition. The pain is usually not constant but can interfere with daily life at all levels. (The American Pain Association)
Suffering – The state of severe distress associated with events that threaten the intactness of the person.
Social-Psychological Impact of Chronic Pain
Lack of motivation, interest, and pleasure Decreased ability to cope w/ stressors Social withdrawl and isolation Loss of self esteem Increased tendency to worry Cognitive problems- concentration, memory,
processing information Relationship problems Loss of work or income Pseudoaddiction (inadequatly treated can lead to
manipulative behavior)
Social-Psychological Impact of Difference in Physical Appearance
Negative body image Depression Social, sexual, and professional
difficulties Prejudice and Intolerance Negative response from people
Depression and Pain
Depression Pain
Other issues:
Poor body imageHard to get aroundNo shoes fitNo insuranceLack of medical careHard for others to understandDifficulty keeping workLack of intimacyHard to travel
Treatment Options for Depression and Chronic Pain
Over the counter (NSAIDS, etc) Anti-depressants Anti-convulsants Talk therapy (CBT, DBT) Mindfulness or meditation Peer support groups Biofeedback Accupuncture Massage or other body work Opiods Medical Marijuana (inhale, topical, edible) Topical pain cream, patch, etc. Surgery, amputation
Treatment for Depression and Chronic Pain
Hot tub, hot bath or shower Exercise or physical therapy Structure and activities Music, art therapy Writing, journaling, blogging Electrical Stimulation (TENS) Topical pain relievers Service animal Self hypnosis Mirror therapy or virtual visual feedback Manage your acute pain Do not give up on managing your pain!!!
Coping with KT
Stay active and busy Get out of the house Be with other people Do things you enjoy Love and accept yourself and KT Spiritual practice and community Pets Learn specific coping skills that work for you Surround yourself with empathy, love,
support, and validation Volunteer to help others
Coping with KT
Get good sleep Take care of your body Eat well Try to think positive, avoid
catastrophizing or other negative thinking patterns
Exercise your brain (chronic pain can atrophy pre frontal cortex)
Spend time in nature Laugh, watch comedy shows, be
around funny people
What have you found successful?
Share some stories
References
www.nimh.nih.gov National Institute of Public Health
www.theacpa.org American Chronic Pain Associateion