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