Trauma and Pain: Linking Emotional and Physical Symptoms

Abstract

Chronic pain conditions often present to mental health providers only after common medical interventions do not sufficiently manage the symptoms. Clinical health psychology can provide an environment to determine the patient’s awareness of triggers for increased pain, attitudes and beliefs regarding level of functioning, and the mind–body connection. Changes in military career, identity, and perceived vulnerabilities ultimately affect one’s mental health and can trigger past trauma experiences not addressed previously. Complicating trauma experiences may not be disclosed until several months after therapy begins, leading to a new direction in psychotherapy interventions. The relationship between pain and abuse is explored as there is often substantial evidence that supports the theory that physical and emotional conditions are correlated. The treatment then requires a journey of self-discovery of the interrelationships between cognitions, emotions, and physical sensations. Emotional expression, challenging thoughts and beliefs, and processing trauma experiences may lead to a reduction in suffering.